A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. "On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. "He insists he was hesitant at first. On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill offered her condolences, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief.". Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. Louis Allwood 29th Jan 2023, 07:00 ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. The pandemic left Mrs Drakeford confined to the four walls of the couples Cardiff home, as she followed medical advice to shield from coronavirus. WebClare Drakeford, the longtime wife of Mark Drakeford, who has served as the leader of the left-wing Welsh Labour Party and the First Minister of Wales since 2018, has died suddenly. Im shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.". Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected. Mr Drakeford worked as a probation officer and with the charity Barnardos before entering I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. "My thoughts are with you and your family. ", Today presenters left stunned as woman looks unrecognisable after makeover, Im an over 50s fashion fan & tried on stunning new 35 floral dress at Dunnes, Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy pink cargo jeans - and they cost just 25, Ireland braces for freeze blast as Met Eireann pinpoint exact day SNOW to fall, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The huge Grade II listed building on Richmond Road in Roath is just two miles from Senedd in Cardiff Bay. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. Express. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of her death. For other inquiries Contact Us. DONT MISS:Jeremy Corbyn threat: The real reason we should be terrified [LATEST]Prince Harry wants "perks of Royalty" as a non-working royal [ANALYSIS]How to live longer: Best bread for longevity[INSIGHT]. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Rest in peace #claredrakeford. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed ", Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds, said her thoughts were with Mr Drakeford and his family at "this very difficult time".. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Family and friends of the couple, as well as senior politicians, attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning. Read about our approach to external linking. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. Video, 00:01:39Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Wife of Wales' FM Mark Drakeford dies suddenly. The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, also joined in, saying: "I am sure you will all join me in sending deepest condolences to @MarkDrakeford on the sudden passing of his beloved wife, Clare. Were all here for you Mark., Responding to the news, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, Jane Dodds, said: My thoughts are with the first minister and his family at this very difficult time.. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. It establishes two lanes for goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain: The green lane these goods will remain in Northern Ireland. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". BBC Wales previously reported that before he threw his hat into the ring, he was hesitant at first - with the family man considering what the impact on his wife and their three children may be. Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while his wife stayed inside the main home. The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, also joined in, saying: "I am sure you will all join me in sending deepest condolences to @MarkDrakeford on the sudden passing of his beloved wife, Clare. ", Serena Williams stepmom's debts continue to spiral amid crumbling home battle, 'Glaring error' left 'habitual liar' Alex Murdaugh 'boxed in' during trial, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life after disgraced lawyer guilty of murder, Murdaugh sentenced to LIFE in prison after being found guilty of double murder, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Clare Drakeford passed away on January 28, 2023. Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, called the news "absolutely devastating". "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. The wife of the first minister died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. Who is Todd Piros wife Amanda Raus?,FOX news Todd Piro has been married to Amanda Raus since June 2015. Davies said: My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. Mark and Clare Drakeford married in 1977. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. He told ITV Wales: Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford.On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Proud Mum, BSE Echocardiographer, @IPHPcardiff research lead, Lecturer in CV Physiology, Ape whisperer | Pikagi Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. View our online Press Pack. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price posted on social media: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. "In this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". He added: "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". "I know just how close they were as a couple, and I can only imagine the sense of loss Mark and the whole family are feeling.". It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. A Welsh Government spokesman said: The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in the Siambr Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. Clare Drakeford is rarely seen in public with her husband Mark, Kate Middleton and Zara Tindall show 'strong bonds' despite 'contrast', Meghan Markle uses surprising technique to command attention, Jeremy Corbyn threat: The real reason we should be terrified, Prince Harry wants "perks of Royalty" as a non-working royal, How to live longer: Best bread for longevity. Countries and territories where English is the national language or the native language of the majority. Mr Drakefords wife of almost 50 years revealed little about herself to the public. Clare Buckle and Drakeford has been married for 46 years. Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately. The Windsor Framework. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. In February 2021, Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his vulnerable wife for most of 2020 in order to keep her safe. ", Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford, who is also the leader of Welsh Labour, while Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". First minister says wife and mother had Covid, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. The mum-of-three was married to the '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. She got married to Mark Drakeford in 1977. Read about our approach to external linking. W & C.". Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner MARK DRAKEFORD has served as leader of the Welsh Labour party since 2018, all the while maintaining a 45-year marriage to his wife, Clare - but who is she? First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has had the support of his wife throughout his political career. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. He offered his "thoughts and prayers" during "this incredibly difficult time". Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, US lawyer jailed for murdering wife and son, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. She is famous for her continual reinvention and uniqueness in music production. "The strong leader Mark is today is in large part because of Mrs Drakeford's quiet and steadfast support, for which we will always be grateful.". Sending him love and strength.". Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, expressed: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. This new deal has been negotiated by the Sunak government and aims to eliminate the Irish Sea border. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". View our online Press Pack. The Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. He told ITV Wales: Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Video, 00:01:39, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. Mark Drakeford is a Welsh politician and has been the First Minister for Wales since 2018 and the leader of Welsh Labour. "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time, he wrote on Twitter. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. The tributes in the Senedd followed an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum after Mrs Drakeford's death was announced. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. "The strong leader Mark is today is in large part because of Mrs Drakeford's quiet and steadfast support, for which we will always be grateful.". I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling, Price said. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.. The pair had three children together. Were all here for you Mark.". Following the news of her passing, Daby said: ''Sending condolences to Mark and his family after the terribly sad passing of Clare Drakeford. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Mr Drakeford gave the public a heartfelt insight into the pairs loving relationship when he shared his emotional reunion with his wife after their time spent living so close, yet so far from one another. ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. The pair had to live in separate homes to "keep her safe.". Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. "I know just how close they were as a couple, and I can only imagine the sense of loss Mark and the whole family are feeling.". Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. Events to mark 300 years since birth of Richard Price, a radical who helped build the modern world Clare Drakeford, wife of Waless first minister, dies. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. W & C.", The First Minister of Scotland and SNP Leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time. They attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning, to pay respects to Mark Drakeford's wife Clare, who died suddenly last month age 71. Speaking to the BBC he said: "On a purely personal level both my wife and my mother fell ill with coronavirus at a point where I was not able to live at home because they were both vulnerable.". But you can follow our other live, real-time coverage on other topics such as theUkraine war, theRoyal Familyand the latest info to help you through theCost of Livingcrisis.