Kate Garraway was ever the proud mum as she dropped her daughter Darcey Draper back off at university after summer.
The broadcast journalist, 58, took to Instagram on Sunday to share that she had spent the day in her car driving her daughter, 19, back to uni.
Darcey, who Kate shares with her late husband Derek Draper, started university last summer and this week headed back to kick off her second year.
Kate gushed over how ‘proud’ she is of Darcey as she opened up about the ‘big change’.
‘Another car picnic in the Vicky Volvo,’ she said. ‘This one much more happy and jolly and positive because I’ve got a very happy daughter duly delivered to uni.
‘I’ve now got a very empty car, I can’t believe we got all the suitcases and everything in to be honest into Vicky Volvo, but we did it which is great. And now I’m just taking a moment for a hot brew before we head off, or I head off. It’s a big one isn’t it?
Kate Garraway was ever the proud mum as she dropped her daughter Darcey Draper back off at university after summer, which she shared on Instagram on Sunday
The broadcast journalist, 58, took to Instagram on Sunday to share that she had spent the day in her car driving her daughter, 19, back to uni
‘Because you’re so proud of them, you know it’s what they want, everyone seemed fantastic where she was. But it’s also a big change and a big moment.’
She continued: ‘Good luck to anyone, parents and students, who have been delivering youngsters on their new paths this weekend.
‘Good luck to anyone starting something new this week, new jobs, new challenges. Let’s make it a fantastic week.’
Sharing the video, Kate captioned the clip: ‘One daughter duly delivered to Uni. Know lots of parents and students doing the same this weekend.
‘Good luck to anyone starting a new chapter this week – let’s make it a good one! Happy Sunday everyone.xx #freshstarts #unilife @volvocars @volvocaruk.’
Darcey’s dad, former political lobbyist Derek, died aged 56 in January from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.
He 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.
Darcey ensured her father was still with her when she headed off to her first year of uni last summer, by packing a family photo, taken before he was struck down with the illness in March 2020, and one of his favoured Panama hats.
‘Another car picnic in the Vicky Volvo,’ she said. ‘This one much more happy and jolly and positive because I’ve got a very happy daughter duly delivered to uni’
Darcey, who Kate shares with her late husband Derek Draper, started university last summer and this week headed back to kick off her second year (Kate and her son Billy and daughter Darcey in September 2024)
‘Because you’re so proud of them, you know it’s what they want, everyone seemed fantastic where she was,’ she wrote
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.’
Kate’s eldest child paid tribute to her later father Derek (right) on Sunday afternoon by wearing one of his favoured Panama hats during the Wimbledon final
Commenting on the post, Good Morning Britain co-host Charlotte Hawkins wrote: ‘Best of luck Darcey – have an amazing time!’
TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: ‘Wishing your girl all the happiness in the world on her new adventure.’
Meanwhile Carol Wright – mother of former The Only Way Is Essex stars Mark and Jessica, and young model Natalya – wrote: ‘Wishing her all the luck in the world. But as much as your proud your heart aches from when one of them leave your home.
‘I’ve had three leave so far and every time I have cried and felt empty. One more to go which I am holding on to with every part of me but I know she will leave soon as it’s a part of independence and growing up. Happy uni days for Darcy.’
