Kate Garraway recalls the importance of ‘love at Christmas’

(Image credit: Getty)

published 25 December 2021

Kate Garraway read a touching tribute to her husband Derek Draper as part of Kate Middleton’s Royal Christmas: Together At Christmas concert.

The Good Morning Britain star bravely stood in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge—both of whom were touched by Kate’s story of strength since her husband was hospitalised with covid-19 back in March—and gave a reading as part of the festive service.

Kate, 54, remained incredibly composed as she read the poem, Love Came Down at Christmas, by Christina Rossetti.

The poem reads, “Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine, love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.

“Worship we the Godhead, love incarnate, love divine, worship we our Jesus, but wherewith for sacred sign, love shall be our token, love be yours, and love be mine.

“Love to God and all men, love for plea, and gift and sign.”

Derek is thought to be fighting one of the longest battles with covid-19 in the country.

The Good Morning Britain star’s husband was first admitted to hospital in March last year and spent several months in a medically induced coma in intensive care.

Despite being free from the virus now, covid-19 has wreaked “extraordinary damage” on Derek’s body and he has “changed” enormously since the illness.

Kate Garraway with her husband Derek Draper, and children Darcey Draper and William Draper arrive at Heathrow Airport

Kate recently said on Good Morning Britain that despite there being a “long way to go,” having Derek home for Christmas is the “biggest gift”.

She told her co-host Richard Bacon, “Obviously, he still has extraordinary problems with communication, mobility is very limited, massive problems with fatigue.”

Given that last year Derek was in hospital, Kate added, “This year, of course, he’s home so we are spending Christmas together, and that is the biggest gift.

“It’s kind of hard to get your head around really. But we have still got fears. Still got a long, long way to go. And still hugely grateful for everyone that kept him alive and saved his life thus far.”

Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."