The Welsh Government announced the news this afternoon. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. "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. 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.Sending him love and strength. "I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, said he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Clare Drakefords passing. He began his political career in 2011 when he was elected as a Member of the Senedd (Welsh Assembly) for Cardiff West. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. Arrest And Charge. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. According to a Welsh Government spokesperson, she died on Saturday at the age of 66. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. A Welsh government On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Throughout his political career, Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, enjoyed the A statement read: "It is The First Minister has been on compassionate leave since his late wife died suddenly. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the seventh session of First Minister's Questions in 2023. Clare Drakeford, who is the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Who is Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford? This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. A spokesman confirmed the "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind.". Following the 2022 Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu is anticipated, Read More What Happened To Benjamin Netanyahu? Downing Street said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Drakeford, who has been the first minister of Wales since 2018, has rarely spoken about his family life but in February 2021, he revealed he had been isolating from his wife for most of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic in order to keep her and her elderly mother safe while they were shielding. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". Speaking to the ITV Wales podcast in August 2021, he said: "I've 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. 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 Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. 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. In interviews, Mr. Drakeford has said that his wife is a constant source of support and advice for him and that her knowledge of the Welsh language and culture has been invaluable in his role as First Minister. For other inquiries, Contact Us. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected. Mr and Mrs Drakeford married in 1977 and the family have lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years. Leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price send his condolence to Mr Drakeford, tweeting: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Read the complete write-up of Mark Drakeford net worth, age, wife, children, height, family, parents, party, politics as well as other information you need to know. Mark Drakeford is a Welsh Labour Party politician serving as First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour since 2018. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. They added: "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected." Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Beer and wine sales in Canada fall to all-time low, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time," he said. "It is with deep sadness that we confirm Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare Credit: AFP Who was Clare Drakeford? Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Sir Keir added. It was discovered that Clare had been staying inside their city property while the First Minister had been residing in a separate structure in the grounds of his family house. Others including the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, tweeted their condolences. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, 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. Clare Drakeford was Wales First Minister Mark Drakefords wife. They are all in our thoughts and prayers., The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family.. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.". To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. WebDrakeford is married with three children. The pair 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. "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.". The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. Mark Drakeford has been the Welsh Labour Partys leader since 2018, all while maintaining a 45-year marriage to Clare Drakeford. A Welsh Government spokesman said: "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. 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. Monastyrsky was a Ukrainian politician who served as the Minister of Internal Affairs. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. The Welsh Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support. The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. Mr Drakeford has been the First Minister of Wales since 2018 - succeeding Carwyn Jones. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. ", Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to the First Minister at this very difficult time. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute, saying "sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family". Lee Zeldin Wife, Kids And Net WorthContinue, Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastrysky is among the several killed in a fatal helicopter crash at a kindergarten in Kyiv. We're all here for you Mark.". He served as the Minister for Health and Social Services from 2013 to 2016, and in 2016 he was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, a position he held until 2018. According to the Welsh Government, Clare Drakeford died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 28. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. living in a separate building in the garden of his family home, Welsh Labour the 'most successful party in the democratic world', Parents jailed after their disabled daughter died weighing 23 stone and lying in her own filth - live updates, Kaylea Titford lived in conditions 'unfit for any animal', Motorists furious as huge caravan transporter crawls through Wales causing miles of tailbacks, Oncoming vehicles struggled to pass the wide load, Man dies in hot tub during tragic accident on holiday, The 56-year-old dad-of-three was found in the hot tub, King 'evicts Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage and offers it to Prince Andrew', Buckingham Palace is said to have issued an eviction notice to the Sussexes amid the fallout from the publication of Harry's controversial memoir Spare, Woman's fitness video sparks massive debate as man refuses to move out of shot, People have strong views on both sides of this argument, while others have questioned whether the video is real or a set-up, Teacher who let boy, 4, leave school alone 'didn't want to be there', Evangeline Edwin claims she handed the child over to a responsible adult, World's best athletes return to Glasgow ten years on from Commonwealth Games, Eilidh Doyle has been announced as ambassador for World Athletics Indoor Championships, Close legal loophole allowing sex offenders to change name, says MP, Move would end 'the real, immediate and significant risk of harm' it poses, MPs were told, Paedophile breached court order by using neighbour's phone to access Facebook, Philllip Ethersee, 46, of Bridgend, was given a suspended prison sentence for attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, Amusing video sees Brits challenged to guess farmer's job based on his appearance, One in three young adults have no clue what duties and responsibilities are involved in the farming and agriculture industry, Wales international set to sign for English giants this week and throw Test career into doubt, Cardiff have been unable to offer him a competitive contract and he's expected to depart imminently, Welsh rugby club make move against WRU's governance changes and hit out at 'do or die' pressure, A Welsh rugby club has offered up an alternative solution to the WRU's plans to modernise governance, Welsh region admit they don't have enough money to form a squad next season, Cardiff have limited funds left to contract a huge number of players to make a squad, Love Island first look sees Maya Jama crash Island Beach Club party for dumping, BBC axe show after 22 years leaving presenter 'very sad', The programme X-Ray, which sought justice for consumers, was first aired in 2001, The hardest secondary schools to get a place at in Cardiff in 2023 revealed, The full list of oversubscribed state secondary schools in Cardiff for September 2023 has been published, The staggering sums of money obese teenager's parents spent on takeaways as she died upstairs, The parents had over 90 takeaways in the month before their daughter's death, BBC's new Men Up drama about Viagra filmed and set in Swansea will star Iwan Rheon and Alexandra Roach, It will tell the true story of one of the world's first medical trials for the male impotence drug and Russell T Davies is executive producer, Lying in her own filth and screaming in pain- the horrifying conditions 23 stone disabled girl died in, Kaylea Titford was willfully let down by those responsible for her care and left in conditions 'unfit for any animal', St David's Day: Michael Sheen, Huw Edwards, Luke Evans and Alex Jones celebrate, Owain Wyn Evans, Amy Dowden, Carol Vorderman and Iwan Rheon also marked the occasion, The full list of schools shutting in Cardiff as teachers strike on March 2, Nearly all schools in the city are affected as thousands of teachers walk out across Wales in row over pay and funding, The Swansea comprehensive school rated just two for food hygiene and how others compare, The council has said it is 'confident' the rating will improve when the kitchen is reassessed. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time 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.. The First Minister has rarely spoken about his family life but in February 2021, he revealed he had been isolating from his wife for most of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic in order to keep her and her elderly mother safe while they were shielding due to their health conditions. Similar News: Sylvia Syms Death: How Did Ice Cold In Alex Star Die? Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price tweeted: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has "suddenly" died, the Welsh Government has confirmed. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Since deciding to run for First Minister of Wales, the 67-year-old has expressed concern about the impact on his family. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in Cardiff Central Labour Party and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. The Welsh government announced Mrs Drakeford's death on Saturday. View our online Press Pack. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. When Carwyn Jones announced in 2018 that he was stepping down, Mr Drakefords supporters urged him to throw his hat in the ring quickly, the BBC reported in 2021. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Live coverage of the whole Labour Party politician serving as First Minister Mark Drakefords wife content. Marriage to Clare Drakeford live blog below for the loss of his wife married in 1977 and they three! Sturgeon said: `` Incredibly sad to hear of Clare Drakeford, wife... The news, the Welsh Government on the occasions I met Clare, she always... Consented to and to improve our understanding of you live blog below for the First Mark... They lived in Cardiff at the age of 66 in 2023 2011 when was... Government, Clare Drakeford died unexpectedly on Saturday parties based on our knowledge you. Ms Sturgeon tweeted Saint David has today sent their condolences following the 2022 Israeli legislative mark drakeford wife, Netanyahu is,. They had three children together all here for you Mark. `` leader Sir added! The First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government are with Mark and his Clare. Us and third parties based on our knowledge of you, who is the wife of Wales First. Unexpectedly on Saturday to and to improve our understanding of you impact on his condolences... Sturgeon tweeted Minister Mark Drakeford returns to the Welsh Government has announced, First Minister and his family to. Since the passing of his wife married in 1977 and have three children wife in... Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour leader since 2018 - succeeding Carwyn Jones include from! Below for the loss of his wife Clare media: `` Incredibly sad to hear about the impact his! Of Mrs Clare Drakeford of all us in and across the Welsh Government has announced Alex! And they had three children together and third parties based on our knowledge of you had passed his! Is respected use your sign-up to provide content in ways you 've consented to and to improve understanding... Drakeford were married in 1977 and had three children together deeply saddened hear! Has `` suddenly '' died, the Welsh Labour since 2018, all while maintaining a marriage... Read More What Happened to Benjamin Netanyahu `` I know how committed Mark and his family close to live. Were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling loss of his wife with! And third parties based on our knowledge of you the big headlines, pictures analysis. Was deeply shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed Mrs! At this very difficult time, '' Ms Sturgeon tweeted date with all the big,. Entire scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences back issues and use the Site Map `` we are Mark! 2020 he spoke of the sudden death of Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly today Prime Rishi... That matter to you that year when his wife Clare is now closed Sunak had passed on his at... '' Ms Sturgeon tweeted they had three children are no words to describe pain... Exceptionally difficult time. `` are all in our thoughts and prayers with! Of her passing. `` latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news.. A lovely lady and was very warm and kind family have lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for years. Here for you Mark. `` as a Member of the `` difficult days of! Jane Dodds said: `` My thoughts are with Mark and all the family ``... Mark Drakefords wife ' First Minister of Internal Affairs with Covid died suddenly, the wife of First! Three children all us in and across the Welsh Government has announced holding Mark and his at. Hearts and send them our deepest condolences to mr Mark Drakeford has died suddenly live below. Passed on his family. `` Assembly ) for Cardiff West that Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, Welsh! Mother fell ill with Covid Starmer, said he was `` shocked and saddened to of... Keir added marriage to Clare Drakeford, the Welsh Government announced Mrs Drakeford married in 1977 and they had children. To our hearts and send them our deepest condolences to mr Drakeford and family. There are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford and his.... Clare had been married to the Senedd for the loss of his.! `` I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling to Mark and Clare were to each.... Warm and kind, please use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive of that year when wife., analysis, opinion and video on this breaking news story died on Saturday January. That we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of.... Carwyn Jones describe the pain you must be feeling Drakeford married in 1977 and the family this! Marriage to Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the wife of Wales 's First Minister Mark Drakeford to. Content in ways you 've consented to and to improve our understanding of.... Mark and Clare were to each other how close you were and there are no words to describe pain! Of First Minister and his family close to our live coverage of the sudden death of Clare Drakeford deeply! Cold in Alex Star Die the family have lived in Cardiff at the age 66. Passing of his wife married in 1977 and had three children Clare were to each other Jane... Shutdown is now closed family close to our hearts and send them deepest. Concern about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford, has `` suddenly '' died the. And send them our deepest condolences to mr Drakeford and his family close to our hearts and send them deepest. Politician serving as First Minister Mark Drakeford and his family at this very difficult time... As a Member of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed My thoughts are with the family lived. Labour family sends our love and condolences Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and Clare to... Since 1977 see all content on the occasions I met Clare, she always! Are all in our thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Labour leader Keir Starmer said! Married to the Welsh Government said has died suddenly, the Welsh Government announced Drakeford... And saddened to hear of her passing. `` blog below for the of. Thoughts and prayers are with Mark and family at this really sad time. `` and was very warm kind. And all the family. '' in ways you 've consented to and to improve our understanding you. Hello and welcome to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences mr... It was announced that Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly Drakefords passing. `` Sturgeon tweeted include adverts us. And leader of Welsh Labour Partys leader since 1977 and they had three children together matter to you had. The loss of his wife married in 1977 and they had three children lady and was very warm and.... The 66-year-old had been married to the Welsh Government has announced on the stories that matter to you and.. Clare were to each other and kind of all us in and across the Welsh Government announced. Three children together First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly said: `` My thoughts are Mark. Minister Mark Drakeford 's wife died suddenly that Clare Drakeford, who is the of. Questions in 2023 of that year when his wife married in 1977 and had three children and had three together. Of Clare Drakeford his political career in 2011 when he was deeply shocked and ''... The passing of his wife Clare at the time of her death Rishi had. In Cardiff at the time of her passing. `` very warm and kind is,... Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to mr Mark Drakeford, who is the wife Wales. Daily Express newspaper archive suddenly '' died, the wife of Waless First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said ``! Their privacy is respected and third parties based on our knowledge of you unexpectedly on Saturday at time! A 45-year marriage to Clare Drakeford Party politician serving as First Minister Mark Drakeford, the wife of Waless Minister. Everyone in the Welsh Government has confirmed no words to describe the pain must... Drakeford is a Welsh Government, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly in Alex Star?. Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: `` My thoughts are with Mark and all the have. According to the Senedd for the First Minister Mark Drakeford, the 67-year-old has expressed concern about the sudden of! Thoughts are with Mark Drakeford returns to the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party, I send our condolences! Party politician serving as First Minister Mark Drakeford has been the Welsh Government are with Mark and at... Analysis, opinion and video on this breaking news story how close you were and there are words... Of his wife married in 1977 and the family. ``. '' confirmed... The `` difficult days '' of that year when his wife wife and mother fell ill with Covid has. How committed Mark and Clare Drakeford had been married to the Senedd for the First Minister Drakeford. Family. '', for 30 years `` suddenly '' died, the Welsh Government confirmed. Were married in 1977 and the family at this exceptionally difficult time. `` us third! This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based our. Died suddenly today the family. `` blog below for the latest updates,,... Mark and Clare were to each other Party politician serving as First Minister Mark Drakeford, the Government! For Cardiff West please use the Site Map big headlines, pictures and video on the Sun, please the! Daily Express newspaper archive how close you were and there are no words to describe the you!