MARCH 2020
Kate revealed that she and Prince Charles had become “relatively close” at the Prince's Trust Awards on March 11 – Charles was diagnosed with coronavirus in mid-March.
She said: “Around the 29th/30th. Around March I came home and said [to Derek] “God, you look sick.”
“He said he had a headache, numbness in his right hand and difficulty breathing,
“I have Dr. Called Hilary (Jones) and tried to get through, he spoke to Derek. He said let me get dressed again, I think you need to call an ambulance.
Derek, 52, was admitted to hospital on March 30 and remained unresponsive.
APRIL
Kate and her children were isolated at home after she showed “mild symptoms”.
Kate said: “Derek remains in intensive care and is still very ill. “I fear it remains an extremely worrying time.
“I'm afraid his condition is still extremely critical, but he's still here, which means there is hope.”
MAY
Kate said: “The journey for me and my family seems far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new and devastating realizations about how this virus has yet more battles in store for Derek.”
“But he’s still HERE, so there’s still hope.”
This month, Kate and her family took part in the final applause for carers
She said: “I will never give this up because Derek is the love of my life but at the same time I have absolute insecurity.”
JUNE
On June 5, Kate revealed that Derek is now coronavirus-free but continues to battle the damage done to his body
JULY
On July 5, Kate announced that Derek had come out of his coma, but he remains in a serious but critical condition.
On July 8, she announced she was returning to GMB after being advised by doctors to “get on with life” during Derek's recovery.
She added that Derek “opened his eyes” after coming out of the coma but was told his recovery could take years.
On July 13, Kate returned to GMB for the first time since Derek's hospitalization.
On July 28, Kate revealed she paid a “particularly emotional” visit to Derek for the first time, admitting she was “frustrated” by his slow progress.
AUGUST
On August 14, Kate assured GMB viewers that Derek was “still with us” but it was “a waiting game.”
On August 19, Kate revealed that she had celebrated Derek's birthday with her two children, describing the day as “challenging” for her family.
SEPTEMBER
Derek reportedly became the longest surviving coronavirus patient at the end of September, having spent 184 days in and out of intensive care.
Kate reveals that Derek lost eight stone during his fight.
The host announces that she is returning to her Smooth Radio show so Derek can hear her voice.
OCTOBER
On October 30, Kate revealed that Derek spoke for the first time in seven months and said the word “pain” to his wife, who watched on FaceTime “in tears.”
A day later, Kate says her husband no longer needs a ventilator to breathe.
NOVEMBER
Kate reveals her family car has been stolen – a huge blow to their family life, and kind-hearted fans offer their cars to help.
She says she feels “physically sick” at the prospect of experiencing her first Christmas without Derek.
DECEMBER
The GMB star tells viewers her dream is to visit Derek on Christmas Day.
She also reveals she missed GMB for two weeks after her children were exposed to the virus, but luckily she and the children tested negative.
Live on GMB on December 17, Kate has an emotional conversation with two nurses who treated Derek when he was first admitted to Whittington Hospital in north London.
On New Year's Eve, she reflects on a “disastrous” Christmas without Derek when her house was flooded and she struggled to get a food delivery appointment until her friend Emma Willis stepped in to help.
JANUARY 2021
Kate reveals that she and her children were allowed to visit Derek in hospital over Christmas and it was the first time her family had seen him since his hospital stay.
She also says she is banned from seeing him due to new restrictions introduced during the government's third lockdown.
FEBRUARY
Kate reveals she is unsure how much Derek will “ever recover” after doctors warned he may never come out of his coma
MARCH
Kate revealed in the ITV documentary Finding Derek that she was in the process of adapting her home to Derek's needs when he was finally released from hospital.
The show was praised by viewers for offering a heartbreaking look at the long-term effects of coronavirus.
Kate also revealed that Derek has “no muscles” since battling Covid
APRIL
Kate revealed that Derek was finally allowed to leave the hospital but would need round-the-clock care once he returned home.
MAY
Kate revealed his communication skills were “minimal” and he “can't really move” despite now being at home with his family.
DECEMBER
Appearing on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, Kate revealed that Derek said “I love you” for the first time.
After celebrating Christmas, Derek was also pictured in a wheelchair during a trip to the pantomime with his family
JANUARY 2022
Kate revealed that Derek was “very tired” and “very weak” after the family trip, adding: “I don't know what this year will bring.”
FEBRUARY
Kate gave a glimpse into the daily struggles of caring for her husband as he battles long Covid in the documentary Caring For Derek
She also revealed that if Derek was left to fend for himself, he would die within three days.
JULY
On July 6, Kate revealed that Derek had been hospitalized again after a “downturn,” and said in a later interview that she was taking things “day by day.”
On July 20, it was reported that Kate had stepped away from hosting Good Morning Britain to be at Derek's bedside after he became “very serious.”
Recalling the day, the presenter told The Sun: “At one point Derek said to me: 'This time it's time. I’m gone.” It was just terrifying.
“His sepsis was heartbreaking for all of us because it went undiagnosed until it was on the verge of taking his life again.”
JANUARY 2023
Kate was left stunned as she confronted former Health Secretary Matt Hancock over his handling of the pandemic and his decision to write I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.
Then she teared up and looked up as she talked about Derek, who has been unwell for almost three years.
Describing public anger at him, Kate added of his decision: “It gives the impression that you still don't understand why they're upset. “You still don't understand why people are upset. They want to hold you more accountable.'
APRIL
Kate revealed Derek was being treated in hospital again as she shared the emotional moment Sir Elton John dedicated a song to the “inspirational” couple.
She shared the emotional moment as Sir Elton John dedicated a song to the “inspirational” couple, writing on Instagram: “Yes Derek was back in hospital this week and yes there is still a long way to go but #eltonjohn & @davidfurnish that you gave to the children.” & Derek a moment we will never forget and that lifted their spirits again to feel that anything is possible.”
It was also reported that Kate was planning a trip around the world to do pioneering work in the “last hope” of helping her husband.
MAY
Kate is reportedly facing a huge tax bill of £716,000 after she was forced to close her husband's business, two years after he fell ill with Covid-19.
The final total amount will be paid in the coming weeks. Friends insist that she pay the amount owed.
A friend told The Sun: “The numbers are frightening and Kate is obviously worried about the financial pressures, but she has to trust the process.”
“When it comes to an end, she is determined to pay back everything that is owed to her.”
“It's no secret that Kate has struggled to keep her husband alive over the past few years and has dealt with some heartbreaking situations in her personal life.”
“Unfortunately, in addition to the emotional toll of Derek’s terrible illnesses, the financial burden is also debilitating.”