Kate Garraway, the bereaved Good Morning Britain host, recently said her final goodbyes to her late husband, Derek Draper, in a poignant two-hour funeral service at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Primrose Hill.
The touching ceremony, attended by family, friends, and A-listers, concluded with a musical tribute by close friend Sir Elton John. Let’s delve into the details of the emotional farewell.
A Tearful Farewell:
As the funeral unfolded, Kate Garraway, accompanied by her son and clutching a candle, left the church, visibly emotional after the touching service.
Derek’s daughter, Darcey, played a significant role, helping carry her father’s coffin, a solemn task that unfolded at the same church where Kate and Derek exchanged vows in 2005.
The order of service paid tribute to Derek’s dear friend, Sir Elton John, who provided a musical tribute during the ceremony.
Notes of Love and Candlemas Day:
Derek’s final journey to a private burial was accompanied by heartfelt notes left on wreaths by his children, expressing love and affection.
The funeral coincided with Candlemas Day, adding a symbolic touch to the proceedings. The congregation held candles during the service, creating a poignant atmosphere.
Distinguished Guests and Musical Tributes:
The church was filled with notable personalities, including political figures like Sir Tony Blair and Sir Keir Starmer. A-listers like Myleene Klass and Sir Elton John, accompanied by his husband David Furnish, were also in attendance.
Sir Elton’s musical rendition of “Skyline Pigeon” provided a moving backdrop to the farewell.
Blair delivered a heartfelt speech, and the congregation united in singing hymns, including “Lord of the Dance” and “The Lord is My Shepherd.”
Kate’s Colleagues and Public Figures Pay Respects:
Colleagues from Good Morning Britain, including Ben Shephard, Susanna Reid, Piers Morgan, and Charlotte Hawkins, gathered to support Kate on this somber occasion.
Fiona Phillips, seen in public with her ITV exec husband Martin Frizell, joined others in expressing condolences.
The church was a gathering place for those touched by Derek’s life, spanning the realms of media, politics, and entertainment.
Derek Draper’s Life and Struggles:
Derek Draper, a former New Labour lobbyist turned psychotherapist, battled Covid-19 for an extended period, becoming one of the country’s longest-suffering patients.
The funeral marked the end of a challenging journey that garnered support from political leaders, including Boris Johnson and the royal family.
Derek’s contributions to New Labour, his involvement in the ‘lobbygate’ scandal, and his later pursuits were remembered by those who knew him well.
Conclusion:
The funeral of Derek Draper stands as a poignant moment, bringing together friends, family, and well-wishers to bid farewell to a man whose life touched many.
The emotional ceremony, marked by musical tributes, hymns, and heartfelt notes, reflects the impact Derek had on those around him.
Kate Garraway, holding onto the memories of her husband, faced the challenging day with grace, surrounded by the support of loved ones and colleagues.