Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. 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. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? View our online Press Pack. The couple have three adult children. 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. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. 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 close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. "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. Home; About; Blog; Media Room. W & C. During the pandemic, it was revealed Mr Drakeford was living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, saying his wife and mother-in-law were "vulnerable". ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. "This is no longer the case and whilst it is used for civic and charitable events, becoming the home for the first minister would be a far more fitting role for it. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Africa: Saint Helena; Americas 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.". The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. She is famous for her continual reinvention and uniqueness in music production. The pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know, First Minister revealed that he was living in a separate building, Wales' First Minister living in garden hut to protect shielding wife. He Tributes have been paid from many politicians since the news broke with Downing Street confirming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. "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.". To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. A spokesman confirmed the Madonnas sister Melanie Ciccone who is married to musician Joe Henry broke the news on Instagram on Saturday. The couple were living in Cardiff at the time of Mrs Drakeford's death. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his From the offset of his senior political career, Welsh leader Mark Drakeford was frank about his wifes role in his ministerial position. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife. ", Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time, he wrote on Twitter. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. The couple live in their family home in Cardiff, Walee, The 'essential' skill children should always be taught in schools, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. 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.". The obituary of Anthony has already been released, and the family has also paid tribute to the late soul. W & C.". The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Mark and Clare Drakeford married in 1977. ", 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. 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.". WebMark Drakeford. "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Clare Drakeford, wife of Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of her death. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. Im shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.". The Welsh government announced the death of Clare Drakeford, 66, with "deep sadness". 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.. Web28 January Clare Drakeford, wife of Mark Drakeford, 71 [13] [17] 9 February Charlie Faulkner, rugby international and coach, 81 [39] 14 February Christine Pritchard, actress ( Pobol y Cwm, Cara Fi ), 79 [40] References [ edit] ^ "Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS: First Minister of Wales". The grand Victorian building was built at a time when lord mayors needed accommodation. '', 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.". A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford. '', 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.". Ms Jones added: "It's little understood by people outside this chamber but often what pains one of us can pain all of us. 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. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, expressed: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". ", 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. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children together. Apart from her singing talent, Madonna is a talented songwriter and visual presenter. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. On Saturday, January 28, the Welsh Government confirmed Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. 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. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. 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.. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Anas Sarwar the leader of Scotlands democratic socialist party tweeted: "I cant put into words how heartbroken I am for Mark Drakeford and his family on the passing of his wife Clare. 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.". 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. Similarly, she has gained fame for her artistic expression in mainstream music while possessing control over every aspect of her career. Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Welsh First Minster Mark Drakeford love and strength following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. She is the wife of the first Minister of Wales. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. "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.". ", Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford.". One person Tweeted: ''We are saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford and send our heartfelt condolences to her beloved husband, Mark Drakeford. The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said he was incredibly sad to hear about Clare Drakefords passing. PRINCE William, Princess Kate and Boris Johnson have paid their respects after the tragic passing of Mark Drakeford's wife Clare. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. "In this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. We're all here for you Mark.". 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. Last year, Mr Drakeford told ITV: The day will come when the first minister will be from north Wales and that person will be needed to stay in Cardiff for lots of their working life. Mr Drakeford told the news outlet of the very strange feeling he had when he returned to his home, adding that he had forgotten how big it is. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". The old couple got married way A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. Another former prime minister, Gordon Brown, said he was sorry to hear of Mrs Drakeford's death, adding: "She will be greatly missed. Sending him love and strength.". Jason, and Victoria Jones, landed their whopping 2.3milli Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. 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. Mr Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while Mrs Drakeford stayed inside the main home. He also said he was hesitant about running to be first minister when Carwyn Jones stepped down in 2018 because of the potential impact on his family. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Gov.Wales. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. 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. Rishi Sunak sent his "heartfelt condolences" to Mark Drakeford and his family. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends," Ms Dodds said. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. Extending his party's sympathy, he said Mrs Drakeford was "kind and compassionate" and that she and her husband were "dedicated to each other". 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.. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be 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. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark 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. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. The couple has been together since the 70s. What would the impact be on his wife Clare and their three grown-up children, he wondered., READ MORE: Meghan Markle uses surprising technique to command attention. WebWales' First Minister and Leader of the Welsh Labour Mark Drakeford arrives with his wife Clare, to cast their vote for the locals elections, at St Catherines Church Hall polling station, in Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. 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. Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly Mum-of-three Clare Drakeford was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of 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. First Minister put up in five-star hotel in Qatar during World Cup. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. 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. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. 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. Among those to pay their respects were the Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, reportedly 66, wife of the first minister. 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.". Rarely in the limelight with her famous partner, the 66-year-old led a private life. Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. Despite the former first minister Carwyn Jones arguing it would be overkill, Mr Drakeford raised his own concerns for future ministers who are not local to the countrys capital city. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Senior politicians have gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of Clare Drakeford. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. This new deal has been negotiated by the Sunak government and aims to eliminate the Irish Sea border. More info. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. 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. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. The Welsh government announced Mrs Drakeford's death on Saturday. Mr Drakefords wife of almost 50 years revealed little about herself to the public. 2023 BBC. 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. ", Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, dies. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Unlike most first ministers in the UK, Mark Drakeford and his wife did not benefit from the luxury of a stately home. C lare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced.