"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. The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. Video, 00:01:39Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Wife of Wales' FM Mark Drakeford dies suddenly. The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. A statement read: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. 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.. Clare 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". Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. Madonnas sister Melanie Ciccone who is married to musician Joe Henry broke the news on Instagram on Saturday. Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Who was Clare Drakeford? Clare Drakeford '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. 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. 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 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. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. A spokesman said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Madonnas older brother Anthony Ciccone is no more with us as he recently passed away. wife He offered his "thoughts and prayers" during "this incredibly difficult time". A spokesman said: "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.". Read about our approach to external linking. 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 Drakeford ", 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. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, said he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Clare Drakefords passing. wife 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.". Mr Drakeford has been the First Minister of Wales since 2018 - succeeding Carwyn Jones. Clare Drakeford: Senedd pays tribute to first minister's late wife 28 Jan 2023. For other inquiries, Contact Us. My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. "In this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". Rarely in the limelight with her famous partner, the 66-year-old led a private life. ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. wife 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. 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. ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. The pair had to live in separate homes to "keep her safe.". He The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. The tributes in the Senedd followed an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum after Mrs Drakeford's death was announced. Countries and territories where English is the national language or the native language of the majority. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, dies The wife of the first minister died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. Another former prime minister, Gordon Brown, said he was sorry to hear of Mrs Drakeford's death, adding: "She will be greatly missed. Clare Drakeford 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.. Home village hopes greatest Welsh thinker finally receives his First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). ", 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. "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.". 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. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. 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 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. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. 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. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. 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 Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. The Prime Minister tweeted: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. 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.. Burns Night 2022: Where was Robert Burns born, why is he celebrated? Meghan and Harry: Expert on why couple constantly hold hands, Princess Charlene's parenting is 'a lot different' in public, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? 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 pair had to live in separate homes to "keep her safe.". 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. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. wife Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. "My thoughts are with you and your family. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". We're all here for you Mark.". On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. The Windsor Framework. 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. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. They have three children. Mark and Clare Drakeford had been married for 46 years. The huge Grade II listed building on Richmond Road in Roath is just two miles from Senedd in Cardiff Bay. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. A spokesman confirmed the 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. "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.". I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. Mark Drakeford is a Welsh politician and has been the First Minister for Wales since 2018 and the leader of Welsh Labour. '', 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.". 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.. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". Aimee Drane PhD @aimeedrane Twitter profile | Pikagi You can unsubscribe at any time. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. 2023 in Wales - Wikipedia 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 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. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in September last year for a memorial service in memory of the Queen. 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. Mark and Clare Drakeford married in 1977. A Welsh Government spokesman said: Covid: First minister 'relieved' after wife and 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.". Clare Drakeford, who is the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. 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. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. 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. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed the news saying: "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected." Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. 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. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his 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. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. 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. The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. ", Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford.". Prince William, Kate and Boris lead heartfelt tributes to Welsh First A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. 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.". Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. W & C". Who Is Mark Drakeford Wife? Clare Drakeford, Wife Dies Suddenly