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. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. 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. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". Mr Drakeford said they were in the top four vaccination priority groups "due to their conditions". Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. Express. 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.. 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". The government of Wales revealed on Saturday that Mark Drakefords wife, Clare, had passed away unexpectedly. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," he said. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. The pair had to live in separate homes to "keep her safe.". 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. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th 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. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. Another former prime minister, Gordon Brown, said he was sorry to hear of Mrs Drakeford's death, adding: "She will be greatly missed. "It's one thing doing it, as I do from my own home, but it is a completely different matter if you don't have somewhere you can regard as your own base.. ", Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford.". WebMark Drakeford. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. He "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. She got married to Mark Drakeford in 1977. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: "It is with deep A spokesman said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Media Coverage; Podcast; Films. Clare Drakeford has been married to Mark Drakeford as his wife for a very long time. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. ", Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, Mum identified after dead baby is found on heathland, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Similarly, she has gained fame for her artistic expression in mainstream music while possessing control over every aspect of her career. 16 February 2023 A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". 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. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. "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. 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. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind.". 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. 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.. Senior politicians have gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of Clare Drakeford. Clare Buckle and Drakeford has been married for 46 years. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. Minimum wage increase 2022: Key dates and how much it rises by. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". 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. The entire Scottish Labor family sends our love and condolences. PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. 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. WebMark Drakeford. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. ", 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.". The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Speaking on an ITV Wales podcast, the First Minister said: "It is a bit emotional. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Mark Drakeford Wife Dies Suddenly. ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. The Welsh government confirmed the news of Clare Drakeford's sudden death with "deep sadness", End of twitter post 3 by The Prince and Princess of Wales, The strength of the bond between Mr and Mrs Drakeford was "obvious", said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, The first minister and his wife attended a service in memory of the Queen at Llandaff cathedral last year, Skip twitter post 3 by The Prince and Princess of Wales, living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant, Sacred coronation oil will be animal-cruelty free. "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.". My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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. Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Democratic Socialist Party, tweeted: Words cannot express how heartbroken I am for Mark Drakeford and his family at the death of his wife Clare. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". She is famous for her continual reinvention and uniqueness in music production. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Others including the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, tweeted their condolences. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. My thoughts are with you and your family. Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately. Speaking about their reconciliation after his self-imposed isolation ended, he said: "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 pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". 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.". ", Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, dies. 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). 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.. Since deciding to run for Welsh First Minister, the 67-year-old admitted he was concerned about the impact on his family. Were all here for you Mark.". The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in September last year for a memorial service in memory of the Queen. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. 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. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. It is 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. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. Sending him love and strength," she added. View our online Press Pack. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. 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. 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. My thoughts are with you and your family. Clare Buckle was a 66 year old woman. WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we Rest in peace #claredrakeford. 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. 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. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. View our online Press Pack. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time, he wrote on Twitter. Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. 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). Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children together. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. 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. 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. ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. 28 Jan 2023. On June 7, 2022, the new father-of-two returned to Fox & Friends following the birth of his second daughter. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. W & C.". "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". It was revealed the First Minister had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while Clare stayed inside their city property. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. by Annie Mercado. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. WebSee tweets of Aimee Drane PhD @aimeedrane on Twitter. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. Retrieved 3 December 2020. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. Davies said: My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of her death. Were all here for you Mark.". 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. "In this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". The pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? 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 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Video, 00:01:39Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Wife of Wales' FM Mark Drakeford dies suddenly. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. 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. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". ", 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. Just five days after the unnerving protest, Cardiff Councillor Joe Carter said he would like to see the Welsh citys Mansion House become the official residence of the first minister. Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Welsh First Minster Mark Drakeford love and strength following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly.