Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. The Welsh government announced the death of Clare Drakeford, 66, with "deep sadness". I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. 2023 BBC. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". ", 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. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". '', Sinn Fein vice president, Michelle O'Neill said: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief.". During the pandemic, the First Minister revealed that he was living in a separate building within the family home as he didn't want to pass on Covid to his wife or mother-in-law. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm. Were all here for you Mark.". Similarly, she has gained fame for her artistic expression in mainstream music while possessing control over every aspect of her career. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Clare Buckle and Drakeford has been married for 46 years. Mr Drakeford, who became first minister in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021, later described their reunion as "a bit emotional". They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. 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., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The couple has been together since the 70s. She is famous for her continual reinvention and uniqueness in music production. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said it was "shattering news". Who is Mark Drakefords wife? 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. While it is known the pair share three grown-up children together, there are few details to unearth about the Welsh First Ministers partner. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. "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.". Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. The couple were living in Cardiff at the time of Mrs Drakeford's death. 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. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. They have three children. W & C.". A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. ", 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.". "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. 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. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Mr Drakeford said they were in the top four vaccination priority groups "due to their conditions". "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. 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. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. He revealed he was hesitant about running to be first minister when Carwyn Jones stepped down in 2018 because of the potential impact on his family. Media Coverage; Podcast; Films. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. The Welsh Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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. My thoughts are with you and your family. Following the news of her passing, Daby said: ''Sending condolences to Mark and his family after the terribly sad passing of Clare Drakeford. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford. Mr Drakeford, who became first minister in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021, later described their reunion as "a bit emotional". "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.". 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.". "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. Inside tragic story of Lottery winning couple who took home 2million before heartbreaking twist ruined their lives,A LUCKY couple scooped 2million on the lottery just one month after they got married but it all turned sour after a tragic twist. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. Africa: Saint Helena; Americas The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said he was incredibly sad to hear about Clare Drakefords passing. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. On June 7, 2022, the new father-of-two returned to Fox & Friends following the birth of his second daughter. Jason, and Victoria Jones, landed their whopping 2.3milli The government of Wales revealed on Saturday that Mark Drakefords wife, Clare, had passed away unexpectedly. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. A Welsh government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the first minister. 16 February 2023 A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. Others including the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, tweeted their condolences. Another former prime minister, Gordon Brown, said he was sorry to hear of Mrs Drakeford's death, adding: "She will be greatly missed. In 2021, the BBC reported: When Carwyn Jones announced in 2018 he was stepping down, Mr Drakeford's supporters urged him to throw his hat in the ring quickly. Politicians and family members of the Welsh First Minister gathered for the funeral of his wife today. 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.. We're all here for you Mark.". First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Mark Drakeford "love and strength" following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Were all here for you Mark.". WebSee tweets of Aimee Drane PhD @aimeedrane on Twitter. Minimum wage increase 2022: Key dates and how much it rises by. Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, with his wife, Clare, pictured in May 2022. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. The old couple got married way 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.. Rishi Sunak sent his "heartfelt condolences" to Mark Drakeford and his family. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. 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. First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, responding to the news in a post on Twitter, said she was sending her Welsh counterpart "love and strength". 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. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind.". Mark and Clare Drakeford had been married for 46 years. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. The Windsor Framework. 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 entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, added: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. My thoughts are with you and your family. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Downing Street said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in the Siambr Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in September last year for a memorial service in memory of the Queen. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Clare Drakeford passed away on January 28, 2023, sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). My whole bed shook: south Wales hit by 3.7 magnitude earthquake, Home village hopes greatest Welsh thinker finally receives his dues, Ynys Enlli off Welsh coast designated as a dark sky sanctuary, Gwent police drop investigation into alleged assault of boy who lost finger, Climber, 23, dies in Snowdonia fall after rock comes away in his hand, Wales pledges 50m to bring derelict empty homes back into use, Brecon Beacons board adds disabled, LGBT and minority-ethnic champions, Wales health chief urges NYE revellers to drink less to ease pressure on NHS, Welsh education minister hits out at misinformation over LGBTQ+ curriculum. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," he said. The Mark Drakeford interview as First Minister confirms he intends to stand down in 2024, Wales' new Senedd elects a First Minister and Presiding Officer, Mark Drakeford is the most popular UK leader, new poll shows, Mark Drakeford leaving the Kings Road polling station in Pontcanna with his wife Clare in 2022. Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. From the offset of his senior political career, Welsh leader Mark Drakeford was frank about his wifes role in his ministerial position. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. Who was Clare Drakeford? WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. For other inquiries Contact Us. Mr and Mrs Drakeford have three adult children and lived together in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife. The private couple were thought to be caring for Clares elderly mother, who lived with them throughout the pandemic. Former prime minister Boris Johnson called Mrs Drakeford's death "terrible news". Since tying the knot in 1977, Clare Drakeford welcomed three children with the Welsh Government leader and continued to support her husbands ministerial ventures after almost a decade in Cabinet. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Gov.Wales. WebMark Drakeford. We're all here for you Mark. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. 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. On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. 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