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 complications of COVID-19, almost four years after he became ill with the respiratory virus.

Kate wrapped herself warm in a padded beige jacket and a pink hat, while Darcey wore stylish earmuffs.

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

Darcey was all smiles as she played a game of darts and beat Kate to win a big, fluffy stuffed toy, while her brother Billy gave his mum a high five as she came first in the water gun challenge.

Kate recently spoke openly about the difficulties the family will face over the holidays following the loss of her husband Derek, but is looking forward to creating ‘new memories’ with their children.

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-term damage to his organs.

“This Christmas will be hard, like all firsts, but I told the kids, ‘Let’s do what feels good, do new things and make new memories,’” she said. Woman & Home.

“You have to try to let things evolve into new memories, and I’ll let that guide me.”

The TV favorite then recalled 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 a challenge, although we have also had the pleasure of having Derek there with us.

‘I hope I don’t blubber all day, but there will certainly be emotional moments. I want it to be fun and happy for Darcey and Billy though, because it’s been a tough few years for them. Maybe they think, “At least Dad isn’t in pain anymore.”

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

And Darcey made sure her dad was still with her by bringing along a family photo when she left for college soon, taken before he was struck by the disease in March 2020, and one of his favorite Panama hats.

Kate shared a video of the teenager’s departure with Instagram followers, revealing the framed photo and hat Darcey previously wore at Wimbledon in the backseat of her car as it sat on the pavement outside their north London home.

She captioned the clip: “And just like that, she was gone! That tiny, helpless baby we brought home from the hospital 18 years ago is off to #uni!

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

She added: “Such an emotional moment on so many levels and the house is silent.

“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 all the way.”