This December marked the family’s first Christmas without Kate’s husband Derek Draper after his death in January 2024 following a lengthy Covid health battle
Kate Garraway appeared happier than ever as she indulged in some much-needed festive fun at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
This December marked the family’s first Christmas without Kate’s husband Derek Draper after his death in January 2024 following a lengthy Covid health battle. While it was undoubtedly a difficult time for Kate, she has put on a brave face for their two children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15, to make the most of Christmas.
And the GMB host, 57, was spotted at the weekend treating her family and friends to the Hyde Park winter spectacular. Wrapping up warm in a wine-coloured wooly hat and puffer jacket, Kate grinned as she challenged daughter Darcey to a game of darts.
Wearing a pair of fluffy ear muffs, Darcey was the picture of concentration as she managed to beat her mum and win a cuddly toy. Moving onto a water pistol game, Kate’s son Billy was her biggest supporter as he leapt up to give her a high five after coming first in the game.
But Kate didn’t appear to enjoy the Haunted Mansion ride too much after being strapped in with Darcey. Gripping onto her daughter’s hand, the presenter had a horrified expression on her face as they sat held in the air.
The group finished off their day at the funfair with a ride on the merry-go-round, with Kate beaming on top of a horse with son Billy smiling by her side in a hooded black puffer.
It comes days after Kate shared her happiness at being able to give a scripture reading from Luke for Christmas on BBC One at St Mary the Virgin church in London. The church holds a special place in Kate’s heart as it was where she and Derek had their first date, married and where they said goodbye at his funeral.
She wrote: “Not an easy day for any of us who are missing someone we have lost , but I hope you have had some comfort in treasured memories as I have and knowing they would want us to celebrate the joy of life. So grateful to share it with my lovely parents and brother and nieces and Darcey and Billy of course – love and comfort to you all. Merry Christmas!”
Kate was sent a wave of support, with Myleene Klass writing: “We’re behind you my love x.” While another follower commented: “Hi Kate it’s so hard it’s the first Xmas for me without my Mum she died the same day as your Derrick 3 January unexpectedly and I didn’t get to be there with her.I know it’s harder for you as it’s your husband so sending you and your kids lots of love.You amaze me with your strength.”
A third wrote: “Such a roller coaster of emotions. Memories are an absolute treasure! You’re right though, they’d want us to be happy. We’re almost 8 months into our new way of life – still navigating ‘firsts’.”
Kate also previously spoke to her co-hosts about how she was struggling during the festive period. She bravely told Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain: “It’s very raw Susanna to be honest. It’s very raw.”
She explained: “I mean this time last year, Derek was still alive – very sick. We thought it was the toughest Christmas because weirdly in 2020 we had a lot of hope that he was coming out… I think that I am [still] in the early stages of grief… The pain and the feeling is still there.”
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