Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately. Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. '', 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 cause of death remain unknown after Clare Drakeford died suddenly. by Annie Mercado. "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. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. 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". A Welsh government "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. View our online Press Pack. ", Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford.". He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. WebMark Drakeford. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. While it is known the pair share three grown-up children together, there are few details to unearth about the Welsh First Ministers partner. CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. 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. A Welsh Government spokesman said: Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, US lawyer jailed for murdering wife and son, 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. Who is Todd Piros wife Amanda Raus?,FOX news Todd Piro has been married to Amanda Raus since June 2015. 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. 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 Cave: An Adaptation of Platos Allegory in Clay; Chasing the Shadows; The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf: A Stop-motion Adaptation The Welsh government announced the death of Clare Drakeford, 66, with "deep sadness". Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price did the same and said it was "difficult to comprehend" the blow to the first minister. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. Extending his party's sympathy, he said Mrs Drakeford was "kind and compassionate" and that she and her husband were "dedicated to each other". Louis Allwood 29th Jan 2023, 07:00 I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. The grand Victorian building was built at a time when lord mayors needed accommodation. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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. Were all here for you Mark.". The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Rest in peace #claredrakeford. 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. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. 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? "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. 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 Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. 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. Im shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing., Elin Jones, presiding officer of the Welsh parliament, tweeted: As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. 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In 2021, the BBC reported: When Carwyn Jones announced in 2018 he was stepping down, Mr Drakeford's supporters urged him to throw his hat in the ring quickly. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. Senior politicians have gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of Clare Drakeford. ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. ", 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. 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. 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". 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"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.". The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute, saying "sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family". They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. 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. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. Retrieved 3 December 2020. A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time," he said. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. The private couple were thought to be caring for Clares elderly mother, who lived with them throughout the pandemic. Africa: Saint Helena; Americas 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. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? You can unsubscribe at any time. 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.. Apart from her singing talent, Madonna is a talented songwriter and visual presenter. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. The government of Wales revealed on Saturday that Mark Drakefords wife, Clare, had passed away unexpectedly. Mark and Clare Drakeford married in 1977. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart is absolutely breaking for Waless first minister. Proud Mum, BSE Echocardiographer, @IPHPcardiff research lead, Lecturer in CV Physiology, Ape whisperer | Pikagi For other inquiries, Contact Us. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. 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. The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. 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. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. 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. Photograph: Geoff Caddick/AFP/Getty Images Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. 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 obituary of Anthony has already been released, and the family has also paid tribute to the late soul. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus. 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. 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. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. 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). Since deciding to run for Welsh First Minister, the 67-year-old admitted he was concerned about the impact on his family. 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. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". 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". Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". 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. Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, with his wife, Clare, pictured in May 2022. 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". 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.. 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. 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. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. 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.". On June 7, 2022, the new father-of-two returned to Fox & Friends following the birth of his second daughter. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. Events to mark 300 years since birth of Richard Price, a radical who helped build the modern world Clare Drakeford, wife of Waless first minister, dies. View our online Press Pack. She got married to Mark Drakeford in 1977. A statement read: "It is The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". First Minister put up in five-star hotel in Qatar during World Cup. "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, dies suddenly Mum-of-three Clare Drakeford was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," he said. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Express. 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. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Clare Buckle was a 66 year old woman. 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. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. 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. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. Among those to pay their respects were the Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Welsh First Minster Mark Drakeford love and strength following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly.