Breaking her silence, Kate Garraway announces the tragic loss of her husband, Derek Draper

Kate Garraway has sent a letter to Good Morning Britain viewers following the tragic passing of her husband Derek Draper last week.

The former political aide died at the age of 56 after several years of major health issues caused by the coronavirus. Derek had been seriously unwell after a heart attack in early December.

In a pre-recorded tribute delivered via email and read out by host Susanna Reid at the opening of Monday’s episode, Kate said: “Hello everyone. Thank you very much for your beautiful messages. It means so lot to me, Darcey, Billy, and the rest of Derek’s family.

“They are an enormous consolation, and I am so fortunate to feel linked to you all by these letters at a time when the raw sorrow of bereavement can be so lonely.

“And that is the wonderful thing, isn’t it, about our Good Morning Britain family – that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through the challenges of life.”

The presenter, who is a mother to adolescents Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, added: “Knowing that we can also laugh at the pleasure and delights that we enjoy together.

“I am confident that the support you have given me and sent to Derek has carried us through these difficult nearly four years, inspiring us to battle on for each other and others who cannot fight for themselves. And it will give us the strength to continue fighting in the coming weeks, months, years.

“I look forward to waking up with you on Good Morning Britain again soon to enjoy life’s wonders and challenges.

“I hope you pardon me for spending some time at home. My family is glad that we were able to be with Derek in his dying moments, which is something not everyone gets to experience.

“Perhaps you are going through sorrow yourself, or have in the past.

“I offer my love and support to you as well.

“We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle.”

She signed off the letter, saying, “I will be thinking of you all until we are reunited very soon.” In the meanwhile, Kate, embrace your loved ones close.

Susanna became obviously moved as she complimented Kate’s dedication. “It’s absolute classic Kate that in a circumstance which is so deeply painful for her and her family,” she went on to say. “She considers everyone else who may be in the same situation or have previously experienced loss.

“Kate’s unshakable dedication to Derek and resolve to help him recover from the catastrophic effects of Covid has left an indelible impression on everyone who knows her, as well as the whole nation, from the royal family to the country’s political leaders. From those who work in medical to those who work in entertainment, and to those of you who are watching right now.”

Derek was diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020 and spent 13 months in the hospital before coming home, where he was cared for around the clock by expert nurses and his wife.

Derek had been in and out of the hospital since then for a variety of reasons, and he was hospitalized in December 2023 after having a heart arrest.