The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared in a pre-recorded video for the Daily Mirror’s annual awards ceremony, broadcast on ITV. The royal couple honoured Good Morning Britain presenter Ms Garraway with a tribute for her husband Derek Draper’s battle with coronavirus. The Cambridge royals also appeared to pay tribute to NHS and health care workers for their efforts throughout the pandemic. It was revealed on Sunday that Prince William caught the disease in April.
Kate, William and Ms Garraway appeared in a video filmed in St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London to honour NHS workers.
The Duchess, thanking Ms Garraway for appearing said: “I think you’re amazing to do this.
“You’ve had such a hard time yourself. How are you all doing?”
Ms Garraway replied: “We are doing okay – it’s very difficult, you can’t visit.
“The children still haven’t been able to visit. I think that is a huge pressure for everybody.”
READ MORE: Kate and Prince William issue emotional tribute ahead of Pride of Britain Awards
Ms Garraway has opened up before about her husband’s battle with coronavirus, saying on Friday he said his first word after waking up from a coma.
She said he whispered “pain”, while Ms Garraway watched on “in tears” over FaceTime.
She added: “Obviously it’s so heart-wrenching that his first word was ‘pain’, but it is a huge breakthrough because it means he has been able to connect the feeling in his body to his brain and mouth.”
The GMB host also told the Cambridge royals about how her children Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11, have been struggling not being able to see their father.
William replied: “You are doing amazingly though. If it wasn’t for social distancing we would both give you a hug.”
Presenting health care heroes with a special recognition award via video, Kate and William also lavished praised on the NHS for their efforts during the pandemic.
The Duke said on the video, which was filmed last week during a visit to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London: “The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic has reminded us as a nation of how much we owe to the thousands of NHS workers who have gone far beyond the call of duty this year.
“They have worked tirelessly around the clock, with humility and compassion, in the most challenging of circumstances, putting their own lives on the line to help others.
“It is fitting that we are here today at Britain’s oldest hospital to thank and celebrate our NHS staff and to honour them with a Pride of Britain award.”
The Duchess also said her and William have been inspired by NHS worker’s “stories of bravery and selflessness”
She added: “Many have had to leave their families for weeks on end, some have come out of retirement to help, while others have stepped into new roles to play their part in the fight against coronavirus. And it is not just the medical teams – all NHS staff have played a crucial role through this time.
“During lockdown, we joined people up and down the country to applaud the NHS and our key workers each week.
“Their hard work still goes on and we remain indebted to them for all they do.”
