Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway revealed that the household was embarking on a “fresh start” following the death of her husband, Derek Draper, last year.

tagram update, Kate announced that her daughter had begun university. Recording a clip from her car, which she affectionately calls “Vicky Volvo”, the ITV personality informed supporters that she had a “very happy daughter” who had been “duly delivered to uni”.

Friends and colleagues have since rallied around Garraway, offering their support both privately and publicly. Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard was quick to comment on her vulnerability, describing her as “one of the strongest people I know” and reminding fans that even the strongest occasionally crumble. Several of her ITV colleagues echoed those sentiments, insisting that Garraway’s breakdown should be seen not as weakness but as testament to her devotion as a mother.

Observers couldn’t help but note the symbolism of this new chapter in Garraway’s life. After years of navigating personal crises and holding her family together, watching her daughter spread her wings carried a weight of its own. For many parents, the departure of a child marks the end of an era, a sudden reminder of how quickly time has passed. For Garraway, still dealing with so many pressures, the moment was bound to hit even harder — and fans admired her bravery in allowing those feelings to be seen rather than hidden.

The images of Garraway clutching her daughter tightly, tears streaming down her face, quickly became iconic online. Some fans joked light-heartedly that they were “crying more than Kate” after watching the clip, while others admitted to replaying it multiple times because of how authentic and relatable it was. “She’s all of us,” one fan declared. “We’ve all been Kate in that moment — clinging on, wishing for just a little more time, not ready to let go.”

Even parenting experts weighed in, pointing out that Garraway’s reaction was far from unusual. Psychologists note that so-called “empty nest syndrome” is a genuine phenomenon, particularly for parents who have been heavily involved in their children’s day-to-day lives. The sudden silence of a home once filled with laughter, footsteps, and chatter can be overwhelming. Garraway’s public tears, they argued, normalise that experience and may even help others process their own grief when children leave.

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She went on: “Now, I’m just taking a moment to have a brew before we head off, or I head off. It’s a big one, isn’t it? Because you’re so proud of them and you know it’s what they want. Everyone seemed fantastic where she was. But it’s also a big change and a big moment.”

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Kate then offered her best wishes to others facing the same milestone as herself and her 19-year-old daughter, Darcey.

The well-known broadcaster also wrote alongside the social media clip: “One daughter duly delivered to Uni. Know lots of parents and students doing the same this weekend,” reports the Express.

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Kate Garraway shared an emotional update(Image: Instagram / Kate Garraway)

“Good luck to anyone starting a new chapter this week – let’s make it a good one! Happy Sunday, everyone.xx #freshstarts #unilife.”

Supporters quickly rallied to offer Kate words of encouragement. One wrote, “Good luck, Darcy and Kate. It is a hard but proud one.”

A second person commented: “Sending lots of big hugs to you Kate & Darcey & Billy & wishing all the best of luck to Darcey at uni x.”

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One parent commented: “Love this and needed to hear it! Just dropped our son off yesterday at uni for his first year. Feels like a massive thing, exciting times ahead, but a big step too.”

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Kate had mixed emotions about changes in her family life(Image: Getty)

Kate recently confessed how challenging she found it watching her children embark on new chapters in their lives, as she mentioned her late husband Derek Draper, who used to share school drop-offs before his tragic passing in 2024.

From the driver’s seat, Kate started: “What is it about kids? They never change, do they?

“They just manage to break your heart in a million different ways. I’ve sat here with a flash – or a cup – of tea with Derek on their first day of school, going to secondary and waiting outside for GCSE results as you are not allowed to go in with them to collect those.

“And now I am just dropping off for the first day of sixth form college, some distance from the school, but with enough of a vantage point to check they walk in. There is something about the walk in when you know they are anxious but trying to be strong that just gets me every time.”

Kate Garraway has long been a familiar face to viewers, loved for her warmth, honesty, and ability to stay composed even during the toughest of times. But fans were left stunned this week as the Good Morning Britain presenter broke down in tears in a raw and emotional moment that quickly spread across social media. Cameras captured Garraway sobbing uncontrollably as her daughter prepared to leave home, and the broadcaster’s vulnerable words — “I’m not ready!” — struck a powerful chord with thousands who have been through the same heart-wrenching milestone.

The footage, which surfaced online after being filmed during a candid family moment, showed a side of Garraway rarely seen by the public. Known for her professionalism and resilience, especially throughout her husband Derek Draper’s devastating health struggles, Garraway has always carried herself with grace in the spotlight. Yet here, stripped of studio lights and glossy makeup, she was every mother facing the bittersweet moment of letting go, a parent suddenly grappling with the reality of her child stepping out into the world.

What made the moment all the more moving was Garraway’s sheer openness. “I thought I’d be fine,” she admitted tearfully, “but the truth is, I’m just not ready. I don’t think any parent ever is.” Those words alone lit up the internet, sparking an outpouring of support from fans and fellow parents who recognised the exact same cocktail of pride, sadness, and fear that comes when children grow up and leave the nest.

Social media was instantly flooded with what fans called “love bombs.” Messages poured in across platforms, with followers praising Garraway’s honesty and courage. “Kate, you’re not alone,” one wrote. “I sobbed for weeks when my daughter moved out. It’s the hardest part of motherhood nobody prepares you for.” Another added: “Your raw emotion shows what an incredible mum you are. It’s okay to break down, it just means you love deeply.” Within hours, Garraway’s name was trending, and the footage had been viewed millions of times.

The emotional meltdown might have surprised some, but those who have followed Garraway’s journey over the past few years weren’t shocked by her candour. She has lived much of her personal struggle in the public eye, from the painful reality of Derek’s illness to the challenges of balancing her career with family life. Her willingness to share these intimate moments has created a bond with viewers, who often describe her as “one of us.” In this case, her tears resonated precisely because they reflected a universal truth about parenting: no matter how much we prepare, saying goodbye is never easy.

While some tabloid commentators speculated whether the clip might have been “too much,” the majority view was that Garraway had once again reminded the nation of her extraordinary relatability. In a world of polished celebrity facades, her willingness to show raw emotion felt refreshing. It was a reminder that behind the TV smile is a mother facing the same joys and heartbreaks as everyone else. For fans, this authenticity only deepens their admiration for her.

As for Garraway herself, insiders say she is slowly adjusting to the change, though she continues to talk openly about how much she misses her daughter’s presence at home. She has reportedly thrown herself into work to distract from the sadness but admits the house feels “strangely empty.” Yet there is also pride — pride that her daughter is carving her own path and pride that, as a parent, she has done her job in preparing her for independence. That, she concedes, is the double-edged sword of parenting: raising children well enough that they eventually no longer need you quite so much.

Whether viewers saw the moment as heartbreak, inspiration, or a bit of both, one thing is certain: Kate Garraway’s tears struck a national nerve. Her meltdown became more than just a private cry — it became a shared moment of humanity, resonating with parents across the country and reminding everyone that love, in its purest form, often shows itself through the pain of letting go.