Kate Garraway said she spent Sunday driving her 19-year-old daughter, Darcey Draper, back to university to begin a second year, sharing a video on Instagram and describing the moment as a proud but emotional milestone.
In the clip, the 58-year-old broadcaster filmed from her car after loading suitcases into what she called the “Vicky Volvo,” saying she had delivered “one daughter duly delivered to Uni” and that the vehicle now felt empty. "Another car picnic in the Vicky Volvo," Garraway said, adding the journey felt "much more happy and jolly and positive because I've got a very happy daughter duly delivered to uni."
Garraway, who shares Darcey with her late husband Derek Draper, reflected on the mixed emotions involved in the return to campus. "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 said in the post. She added a message for others navigating similar transitions: "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."
In the Instagram caption, Garraway wrote: "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." She also posted that she paused for a hot drink after unpacking the car and acknowledged the effort of fitting belongings into the vehicle.
Darcey, who began university last summer, previously marked her first departure by taking a family photograph and one of her father's Panama hats with her, Garraway said. Derek Draper, a former political lobbyist, died in January at age 56 after a prolonged battle with complications stemming from COVID-19. He was among the country's longest-suffering coronavirus patients, remaining in hospital for more than a year and never fully recovering from the virus's long-term effects on his organs.
Garraway's post drew supportive comments from colleagues and friends. Good Morning Britain co-host Charlotte Hawkins wrote, "Best of luck Darcey - have an amazing time!" Television presenter Carol Vorderman commented, "Wishing your girl all the happiness in the world on her new adventure." Carol Wright, mother of reality TV personalities Mark and Jessica Wright, reflected on the mixed feelings parents face when children leave home, writing that each departure brought tears and a quiet house.
Garraway has frequently spoken publicly about her family's experience since Derek Draper first became seriously ill in 2020. She has balanced her broadcasting work with caregiving and public discussion of long COVID and bereavement, and has used social media to share personal milestones and moments of family life. Darcey's return to university continues a family adjustment that has included both private remembrance and public messages of resilience and support.
As students and parents across the country marked the start of the academic term this weekend, Garraway's post joined a wider conversation about transitions, family coping and the emotional work of seeing children begin independent lives. She concluded her message with encouragement for others facing new chapters: "Let's make it a good one!"