Kate Garraway ENJOYS TRIP to Winter Wonderland with her children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15, - after the family's first Christmas without Derek Draper!

Kate Garraway enjoyed a trip to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park with her children on Sunday – after the family had their first Christmas without Derek Draper.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, and daughter Darcey, 18, and son Billy, 15, looked in good spirits despite what would have been a difficult week.

Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.

Kate wrapped up warm in a padded beige jacket and pink hat while Darcey wore stylish ear muffs.

She added a sleek brown leather bag to her look and wore her blonde tresses in loose waves.

Darcey was all smiles as she played a game of darts and beat Kate to win a large soft cuddly toy, whilst her brother Billy gave his mum a high five as she came first on the water pistol challenge.

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Kate Garraway enjoyed a trip to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park with her children on Sunday – after the family had their first Christmas without Derek

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The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, and daughter Darcey, 18, and son Billy, 15, looked in good spirits despite what would have been a difficult week

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Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus

‘You’ve got to try and let things evolve into new memories, and I’m going to be led by them.’

The TV favourite went on to recall the recent Christmases before Derek’s tragic death – which were also quite ‘challenging’ due to his illness.

‘It will be our first Christmas without Derek, but to be honest, the last four or five Christmases have been challenging, although we’ve also had the joy of having Derek there with us.

‘I hope I won’t be blubbing all day, but I’m sure there will be emotional moments. However, I want it to be fun and happy for Darcey and Billy because it’s been a tough few years for them. Maybe they’ll think, ‘At least Dad’s out of pain’.’

Kate had previously paid tribute to Darcey after she received her A-Level results in August, seven months after the death of Derek.

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Kate wrapped up warm in a padded beige jacket and pink hat while Darcey wore stylish ear muffs

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She added a sleek brown leather bag to her look and wore her blonde tresses in loose waves while opting for natural makeup

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Kate recently spoke openly about the difficulties the family will face around the festive period after the loss of her husband Derek but looks forward to creating ‘new memories’

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Derek was one of the country’s longest-suffering coronavirus patients and remained in hospital for more than a year, but never fully recovered after the virus left long-lasting damage to his organs

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‘This Christmas will be difficult, as all the firsts are, but I’ve said to the kids, ‘Let’s do what feels right, do some new things and make new memories’, she told Woman & Home

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The TV favourite went on to recall the recent Christmases before Derek’s tragic death – which were also quite ‘challenging’ due to his illness

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Kate was joined by her family and friends for the festive day out

And Darcey ensured her father was still with her by packing a family photo as she soon left for university, taken before he was struck down with the illness in March 2020, and one of his favoured Panama hats.

Sharing a video of the teenager’s departure with Instagram followers, Kate revealed the unframed photo and the hat previously worn by Darcey at Wimbledon on the backseat of her car as it sat on the kerb outside their north London home.

Captioning the clip, she wrote: ‘And just like that she was off! That tiny helpless baby we brought home from hospital 18 yrs ago has gone to #uni!

‘Just like thousands of other parents this weekend I was playing that game of jenga trying to get it all in the car. Thank goodness my beloved Victor has a massive boot!

She added: ‘Such an emotional moment on so many levels & boy is the house quiet.

‘But Darcey we couldn’t be prouder of you starting this new chapter in your life & know your Dad is with you all the way.’

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