"I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". WebMark Drakeford. 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. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". 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. ", 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. More info. 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 My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time, he wrote on Twitter. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". Apart from her singing talent, Madonna is a talented songwriter and visual presenter. The entire Scottish Labor family sends our love and condolences. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Clare Drakeford, who is the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind.". ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. Mr Drakefords wife of almost 50 years revealed little about herself to the public. Home; About; Blog; Media Room. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. 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 Welsh government announced the death of Clare Drakeford, 66, with "deep sadness". WebSee tweets of Aimee Drane PhD @aimeedrane on Twitter. "My heartfelt condolences go out to them.". "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.". Were all here for you Mark.". Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". W & C.". 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. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. My thoughts are with you and your family. 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. 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". Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said it was "shattering news". 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. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. 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. Politicians and family members of the Welsh First Minister gathered for the funeral of his wife today. 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. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th Similarly, she has gained fame for her artistic expression in mainstream music while possessing control over every aspect of her career. Following an anti-lockdown protest outside their house in July 2021, politicians raised concerns over the residential security of the First Minister and his wife. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. Glamorgan Cricket shared their condolences on Twitter with a photo of the First Minister and Clare Drakeford watching the team play. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. 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. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we Who is Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford? Louis Allwood 29th Jan 2023, 07:00 Mark and Clare Drakeford had been married for 46 years. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. Mark Drakeford Wife Dies Suddenly. 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. Clare Drakeford has been married to Mark Drakeford as his wife for a very long time. 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. Video, 00:01:39, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause. 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. Among those to pay their respects were the To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute, saying "sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family". W & C.". Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. During the Covid-19 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" and in the top four vaccination priority groups. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.My heartfelt condolences go out to them. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children together. How often should you change your sheets - more than you think! Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. Im shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.". In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 16 February 2023 A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. Proud Mum, BSE Echocardiographer, @IPHPcardiff research lead, Lecturer in CV Physiology, Ape whisperer | Pikagi Last year Mr Drakeford revealed 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. '', 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.". The couple have three adult children. The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said he was incredibly sad to hear about Clare Drakefords passing. The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. We're all here for you Mark. I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling, Price said. Clare Buckle was a 66 year old woman. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". The huge Grade II listed building on Richmond Road in Roath is just two miles from Senedd in Cardiff Bay. '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. 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. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus. 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 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. 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. A Welsh government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the first minister. ", Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, dies. 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. My thoughts are with you and your family. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. 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". Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, said he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Clare Drakefords passing. When she and Mrs Drakeford met, she said it was "obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was". Read about our approach to external linking. The wife of the first minister died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. 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. The Welsh government announced the death of Clare Drakeford, 66, with "deep sadness". CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". PRINCE William, Princess Kate and Boris Johnson have paid their respects after the tragic passing of Mark Drakeford's wife Clare. You can unsubscribe at any time. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? A Welsh Government spokesman said: "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. ", 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. 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 thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. Mark and Clare Drakeford married in 1977. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," 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.". Words of condolence have poured in from across the political spectrum. 2023 BBC. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Speaking on an ITV Wales podcast, the First Minister said: "It is a bit emotional. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. 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. The couple lived apart during much of the COVID pandemic, with Mr Drakeford staying in a building at the end of the couple's garden to allow him to carry on work while his wife remained at the house with his elderly mother-in-law, who was shielding. View our online Press Pack. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. "I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Who is Todd Piros wife Amanda Raus?,FOX news Todd Piro has been married to Amanda Raus since June 2015. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner MARK DRAKEFORD has served as leader of the Welsh Labour party since 2018, all the while maintaining a 45-year marriage to his wife, Clare - but who is she? First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has had the support of his wife throughout his political career. The Prime Minister tweeted: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. Who was Clare Drakeford? Unlike most first ministers in the UK, Mark Drakeford and his wife did not benefit from the luxury of a stately home. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. WebClare Drakeford, the longtime wife of Mark Drakeford, who has served as the leader of the left-wing Welsh Labour Party and the First Minister of Wales since 2018, has died suddenly. 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. Others including the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, tweeted their condolences. Rest in peace #claredrakeford. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. The pair 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. In the first full Senedd meeting since her death, Presiding Officer Elin Jones said the first minister and his family were "in our hearts and prayers". 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. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time," he said. 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 this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". 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). Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Were all here for you Mark.". The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. 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. 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. 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 pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Sending him love and strength," she added. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. His wife, Clare Drakeford, 66, and her 94-year-old mother, have both shielded during the pandemic due to their health conditions. 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.". Rarely in the limelight with her famous partner, the 66-year-old led a private life. Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, with his wife, Clare, pictured in May 2022. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". A Welsh government Clare Drakeford, the longtime wife of Mark Drakeford, who has served as the leader of the left-wing Welsh Labour Party and the First Minister of Wales since 2018, has died suddenly. In February 2021, Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his vulnerable wife for most of 2020 in order to keep her safe. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. 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 wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. It establishes two lanes for goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain: The green lane these goods will remain in Northern Ireland. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". BBC Wales previously reported that before he threw his hat into the ring, he was hesitant at first - with the family man considering what the impact on his wife and their three children may be. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. "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. 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. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. The couple were living in Cardiff at the time of Mrs Drakeford's death. She is the wife of the first Minister of Wales. 28 Jan 2023.