Kate Garraway bids an emotional farewell to daughter Darcey, 18, as she leaves home for university - after packing a poignant reminder of late dad Derek Draper

Kate Garraway waved daughter Darcey off on Monday as the teenager prepared for her first year at university. 

The Good Morning Britain presenter helped the eldest of her two children cram her belongings into boxes before loading them into the rear of her car. 

Kate, 57, had previously paid tribute to 18-year old Darcey after she received her A-Level results in August, seven months after the death of her father, Derek Draper. 

Former political lobbyist Draper 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 after being in hospital but never fully recovered after the virus left long-lasting damage to his organs and meant he needed round-the-clock care.

And Darcey ensured her father was still with her by packing a family photo, taken before he was struck down with the illness in March 2020, and one of his favoured Panama hats. 

Sharing a video of the teenager's departure with Instagram followers, Kate revealed the unframed photo and headwear 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.' 

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.' 

Darcey received her results in August, with Good Morning Britain star Kate - who is also a parent to son Billy, 14 - admitting the teenager 'did the best she could' after a difficult year for the family.

In a lengthy post, Kate said Derek 'would be proud' of their daughter, and shared that they visited his grave to share her results with him.

Taking tp Instagram, she wrote: 'Congratulations to all who got their #alevel results this week - huge achievement - even if you're disappointed in the results - don't be - you made it to the end and life has a way of working itself out in the best way for you.

'Darcey got her results on another one of those firsts this year - Derek's birthday. She didn't get what she might have done but hey did better than any of us feared under the circumstances . 

'I couldn't be prouder of her & know her Dad would be too. We went to Dad's grave to 'tell' him before she went out to celebrate with friends.' 

She added: 'I'm at home & just noticed the roses I planted with @itv @loveyourgarden especially for derek so we could wheel him out to enjoy the fragrance have suddenly burst into bloom! . They haven't flowered all summer. 

'So am just enjoying the incredible fragrance combined with the mint & raising a mug of tea to Derek - darling we did it - your beautiful daughter is in her way to her next stage in life thanks to your love & guidance and you will live on through her. 

'Love to all & #happysaturday everyone!!!!'