Just over a year after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Derek Draper,
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has shared another personal sorrow—losing the diamond from her cherished engagement ring.
In a recent interview with HELLO! magazine, Kate reflected on the moment she noticed the diamond had fallen out while working on an assignment in June 2024.
She had been covering the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings for GMB when she realized the treasured stone was missing.
“I was walking through the poppies, looked down, and saw I’d lost it,” she recalled. “I wanted to cry, I felt so sad, and I certainly can’t afford to replace it.”
A Sentimental Loss
The engagement ring held deep sentimental value for Kate, as it was a symbol of her love story with Derek. The couple, who first got engaged before their 2005 wedding, shared a touching second proposal in 2019 when Derek asked her to marry him again after she returned from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Despite her emotional reaction to losing the diamond, Kate chose not to spend time searching for it, given the historic and solemn significance of the location where she lost it.
“But then I also thought, having retraced the steps of horror [of the D-Day landings] and their bravery, this wasn’t the moment to go: ‘My diamond ring!’” she explained. “It seemed way too frivolous.”
Instead, she has decided to replace the missing diamond with a cubic zirconia to fill the empty setting. “Because it looks sad and empty,” she added.
Holding on to Precious Memories
Kate has always been deeply attached to her wedding jewelry, particularly during the difficult years following Derek’s illness.
After contracting COVID-19 in 2020, Derek suffered severe complications that left him as the longest-surviving patient of the virus, spending 184 days in and out of intensive care.
During this time, Kate refused to remove her wedding and engagement rings, feeling they were a powerful symbol of their connection. When a fan once expressed concern that she might lose them while gardening, she responded, “I know what you mean—but have never taken it off [and] now fear it’ll be a jinx if I do,” highlighting her emotional bond with the rings.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye
On January 3, 2024, Kate confirmed the devastating news that Derek had passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in December 2023, which had caused further complications due to the lasting damage from COVID-19.
Announcing his death on Instagram, she wrote:
“I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know, he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December, which, because of the damage inflicted by COVID in March 2020, led to further complications.”
Kate revealed that Derek was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. “I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed,” she shared.
Her tribute concluded with gratitude for the support she had received: “Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now, Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Looking Ahead with Strength
Despite her grief, Kate remains determined to move forward while keeping Derek’s memory close to her heart. In her interview, she revealed how she is embracing life after years of dedicating herself to Derek’s care.
“Derek would want me to be grabbing life,” she said. “Life has been very timetabled for the past five years, taking care of Derek. I’m thinking: ‘Well, I don’t know what’s next, but rather than be terrified, try to enjoy it.’”
She also shared that she’s now more open to new experiences and opportunities, adding: “And see what comes along, workwise. Say yes to things I probably never would have done—and probably never should have done.”
Keeping Derek’s Legacy Alive
Although she has endured immense loss, Kate continues to find ways to honor Derek’s memory while navigating her new normal.
Whether it’s through her unwavering dedication to their children, Darcey and Billy, or by sharing her journey with the public, she remains an inspiration to many.
The loss of her engagement diamond may be a small detail compared to everything she has been through, but it represents something much deeper—the precious memories of the love and life she shared with Derek. While the original stone may be gone, the love it symbolized will remain forever.
