Kate Garraway bids an emotional farewell to daughter Darcey, 18, as she leaves home for university – after packing a poignant reminder of late dad Derek Draper

Kate Garraway waved goodbye to her daughter Darcey on Monday as the teenager prepared for her first year at university.

The Good Morning Britain presenter helped her eldest child pack her belongings into boxes before loading them into the back of her car.

Kate, 57, previously paid tribute to 18-year-old Darcey after she received her A-level results in August, seven months after the death of her father, Derek Draper.

Former political lobbyist Draper died in January at age 56 from complications of COVID-19, nearly four years after falling ill with the respiratory virus.

He was one of the country’s longest-suffering COVID patients. He was in hospital, but never fully recovered. The virus had caused permanent damage to his organs and he needed 24-hour care.

Kate and her 18-year-old daughter Darcey, the eldest of her two children, are seen at Wimbledon this summer

Darcey made sure to carry a piece of late father Derek Draper with her by bringing a family photo and one of his favorite Panama hats, seven months after he died from complications from COVID-19.

And Darcey made sure her father was still with her by bringing along a family photo taken before he was struck down with the disease in March 2020, and one of his favorite Panama hats.

Kate shared a video of the teenager’s departure with her Instagram followers, showing the frameless photo and headpiece in the backseat of her car as it sat on the pavement outside their north London home.

She wrote in the caption of the clip: ‘And just like that she was gone! That little helpless baby we brought home from the hospital 18 years ago has gone to #uni!

‘Like thousands of other parents, I played that game of Jenga this weekend to get everything in the car. Luckily, my beloved Victor has a huge boot!

She added: “Such an emotional moment on so many levels and boy is the house quiet. But Darcey, we couldn’t be more proud of you as you start this new chapter in your life and know that your dad is with you the whole way.”

Good Morning Britain co-host Charlotte Hawkins captioned the post: ‘Good luck Darcey – enjoy!’

TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: ‘I wish your girl all the luck in the world with her new adventure.’

Meanwhile, Carol Wright – mother of former The Only Way Is Essex stars Mark and Jessica, and young model Natalya – wrote: ‘I wish her all the luck in the world. But as proud as you are, your heart aches when either of them leaves your home.

Kate’s eldest child paid tribute to her late father Derek (right) on Sunday afternoon by wearing one of his favorite Panama hats during the Wimbledon final

Kate shared a video of the teen’s departure with Instagram followers on Monday morning

She was filmed loading boxes into the back of her car as it sat on the kerb outside their North London home

“I’ve had three so far and every time I’ve cried and felt empty. One more to go, which I’m holding on to with all my being, but I know she’ll be gone soon, because it’s part of independence and growing up. Happy uni days to Darcy.”

Darcey was told her results in August. Good Morning Britain star Kate, who is also mother to son Billy, 14, admitted the teenager had ‘tried her best’ after a difficult year for the family.

In a lengthy post, Kate wrote that Derek “would be proud” of their daughter and that they visited his grave to share her results with him.

She wrote on Instagram: ‘Congrats to everyone who got their #alevel results this week. That’s a huge achievement. Don’t be disappointed in the results, even if you’re disappointed. You stuck with it until the end and life has a way of working itself out for you in the best way.’

‘Darcey achieved her results on one of those firsts this year – Derek’s birthday. She didn’t achieve what she could have achieved, but she did better than we all feared under the circumstances.

Darcey received her results in August, with Good Morning Britain star Kate admitting the teenager was ‘doing her best’ after a tough year for the family

Derek Draper died in January at the age of 56 after battling the long-term effects of COVID-19 for four years, which he contracted in 2020

“I couldn’t be more proud of her and know her dad would be too. We went to Dad’s grave to ‘tell’ him before she went off to celebrate with friends.”

She added: ‘I’m home and just noticed the roses I planted with @itv @loveyourgarden especially for Derek so we could drive him outside to enjoy the smell have suddenly burst into bloom! They haven’t bloomed all summer.

I enjoy the wonderful scent combined with the mint and raise a mug of tea to Derek. Darling, we did it. Your beautiful daughter is on her way to the next phase of her life thanks to your love and guidance. You will live on in her.

‘Love to everyone & #happysaturday everyone!!!!’