Kate Garraway has revealed she didn't recognise Wales footballer Gareth Bale when they both collected their MBEs from Prince William at Windsor Castle. The Good Morning Britain presenter's husband Derek Draper watched from a wheelchair nearby as she collected her honour for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
The TV presenter, whose parents, Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, also attended the ceremony, said it was "wonderful" to share the day with her family, but she admitted that during the "wonderful day" she embarrassed herself in front of the former Wales captain.
Urged by co-presenter Ben Shephard on Thursday's show to "please tell the Gareth Bale story", she told viewers what happened.
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"After that lovely moment (collecting the honour), you are taking into these beautiful state rooms and you are with all these incredible people who have done proper things to actually deserve this honour," she said. "It is lovely just chatting to all these people and all quite overwhelming.
"I was pushing Derek through and we walked past this very dashing young man with a beautiful girl, and I congratulated her on her lovely outfit. After we walked past, Derek started saying 'That was Gareth Bale. That was Gareth Bale'. I hadn't realised."
She later told the story to some other guests, not realising she was telling Scotland and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.
Garraway described how it was "unbelievable" to share the day with her husband, saying: "So many hours, we thought it would never happen, (but) here we are. It's fantastic. It's a real feeling of 'Right, seize the day and enjoy the moment'."
Former political adviser Draper fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020, which left him with long-lasting damage to his organs and needing daily care.
The TV presenter has since made two documentaries detailing her family's life as Draper battles the long-term effects of coronavirus, with both programmes winning National Television Awards in the authored documentary category.
She has also written two books - 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 - following 55-year-old Draper's health struggle.
There are plans for her to front a third documentary exposing the "broken" care system.
Kate said on the day: "A room full of people that have done wonderful things in so many different ways, personal struggles and dealt with things in their life, and it's just a wonderful boost actually, it's a fantastic thing.
"The Prince of Wales was wonderful. He makes it very easy and very comfortable and he obviously cares a lot about it. It's a very special day.
"I have met him for some bits and bobs of things with him with charities, and the Prince's Trust as well, his dad's charity, so he just said it was lovely that he could see me and we could have a good chat about it.
"I think he's very good because he makes everything very special for everybody."
When Gareth Bale was awarded an MBE in the last Queen's Birthday Honours, he said: "It is a very proud moment for my family and I. To be given this news as we prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee makes it feel even more special.
"I joined a football academy at the age of 9, so the sport is a defining part of my identity. I recognise the privilege of being able to do what I love, and for all of the incredible moments, experiences, achievements and memories football has given me, I hope I have been able to give just as much back.
"Football is my whole life and I am deeply humbled to be recognised by the Queen."
