Kate Garraway receives MBE from Prince William as husband Derek Draper watches on in wheelchair

Kate Garraway was awarded her MBE from Prince William in an investiture ceremony at Winsor Castle on Wednesday.

The British TV presenter became a central figure of the COVID-19 crisis in the UK in March 2020, as her husband Derek Draper almost died six times as he fought for his life.

Now battling long COVID, the 55-year-old needs around-the-clock care but attended the special occasion in his wheelchair.

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He smiled as he watched his wife receive her honour from the future king, recognising her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.

Speaking after the ceremony, Kate revealed her husband almost didn't make it to Windsor Castle following "a bit of a drama over the last 10 days".

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"It would've felt wrong to do it without him. It's amazing that it's all come together," she told ITV News.

The Prince of Wales had a short chat with the Good Morning Britain co-host before the pair gestured and spoke to Draper from across the room, where he was with their two children and Kate's parents.

"It's an incredible thing because I definitely don't feel I deserve it but it is something very special," Kate, 56, added.

"The whole event is very special, the Prince of Wales handles it beautifully. You're in with incredible people, who you hear the stories of.

"It's also lovely for my mum and dad, and for Derek to be here with the children. I didn't think it would be but you do feel very emotional - in a good way."

Draper, a former political adviser, became the UK's longest-fighting coronavirus patient and was finally discharged in April 2021, after spending more than a year in hospital.

His experience with the disease became the basis of two documentaries, with a third in the works.

First came the award-winning Finding Derek, following his initial hospital battle and showing the strain the NHS was under during the global health crisis.

It was followed by Caring for Derek, which documented the 55-year-old's return home and navigating the complicated social care system.

Kate's work raising awareness, funds and campaigning for change earned her a spot on Queen Elizabeth's 2022 New Year's Honours list.

However, her inclusion in the list got the TV and radio personality some backlash.

Speaking about it on her show at the time, Kate admitted the honour was "strange" but not something she was given for simply looking after her husband.

"I think it has [evoked] strange feelings and there have been a few comments since it was announced of people saying 'Why has she got this? I look after my loved one'," she said on Good Morning Britain.

"I haven't got it for looking after Derek. It is for broadcasting and I think also charity work but you know there's lots of people that you feel deserve it more.

"So it's a strange feeling."

Kate also written two books off the back of the family's ordeal, The Power Of Hope: The Moving Memoir From ITV's Kate Garraway and The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism.