This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 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. They have three children. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". 2023 BBC. The mum-of-three was married to the W & C.". Rishi Sunak sent his "heartfelt condolences" to Mark Drakeford and his family. Since deciding to run for Welsh First Minister, the 67-year-old admitted he was concerned about the impact on his family. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. A statement read: "It is It establishes two lanes for goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain: The green lane these goods will remain in Northern Ireland. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. 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.. 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. ", Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds, said her thoughts were with Mr Drakeford and his family at "this very difficult time".. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time, he wrote on Twitter. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. The pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? 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. 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 pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. "In this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". Apart from her singing talent, Madonna is a talented songwriter and visual presenter. A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. '', 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.". Clare Drakeford, who is the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. 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. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. 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. A spokesman confirmed the 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. He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. His wife, Clare Drakeford, 66, and her 94-year-old mother, have both shielded during the pandemic due to their health conditions. by Annie Mercado. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". Words of condolence have poured in from across the political spectrum. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Others including the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, tweeted their condolences. Sending him love and strength.". Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. 16 February 2023 A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. 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. My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind.". For other inquiries, Contact Us. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. 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. Mr and Mrs Drakeford married in 1977 and the family have lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th 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? 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. Mark and Clare Drakeford had been married for 46 years. 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. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. Welsh Conservatives Leader, Andrew RT Davies, said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. 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. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. DONT MISS:Jeremy Corbyn threat: The real reason we should be terrified [LATEST]Prince Harry wants "perks of Royalty" as a non-working royal [ANALYSIS]How to live longer: Best bread for longevity[INSIGHT]. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. 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. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. 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. The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. 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. 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". 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. "He insists he was hesitant at first. Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. 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, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. 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. 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 The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. 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. 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. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. 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. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. 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. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. 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 died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. From the offset of his senior political career, Welsh leader Mark Drakeford was frank about his wifes role in his ministerial position. The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. The grand Victorian building was built at a time when lord mayors needed accommodation. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. "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 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.". 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. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult 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. 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 "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". ", Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford.". Clare Drakeford has been married to Mark Drakeford as his wife for a very long time. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. WebMark Drakeford. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in the Siambr 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. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Politicians and family members of the Welsh First Minister gathered for the funeral of his wife today. 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. ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in September last year for a memorial service in memory of the Queen. 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.. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children together. 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 Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. "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.". ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. 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 huge Grade II listed building on Richmond Road in Roath is just two miles from Senedd in Cardiff Bay. 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 Welsh government announced Mrs Drakeford's death on Saturday. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. 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. 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. Countries and territories where English is the national language or the native language of the majority. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". 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 family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. The pair had to live in separate homes to "keep her safe.". My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". 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. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. She is the wife of the first Minister of Wales. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. First Minister put up in five-star hotel in Qatar during World Cup. 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 private couple were thought to be caring for Clares elderly mother, who lived with them throughout the pandemic. 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.". Proud Mum, BSE Echocardiographer, @IPHPcardiff research lead, Lecturer in CV Physiology, Ape whisperer | Pikagi 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. Mark Drakeford in 2022 had to separate from her to keep her safe during much of the pandemic period. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Sir Keir added. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". 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 pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. 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. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". 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.". ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. The pair had three children together. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. The cause of death remain unknown after Clare Drakeford died suddenly. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. "The entire Scottish Labour family sends our love and condolences. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. 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. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: "It is with deep 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? Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. WebMark Drakeford. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". The Windsor Framework. ", 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.". 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The tributes in the Senedd followed an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum after Mrs Drakeford's death was announced. Who is Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford? 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. ", 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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. My whole bed shook: south Wales hit by 3.7 magnitude earthquake, Home village hopes greatest Welsh thinker finally receives his dues, Ynys Enlli off Welsh coast designated as a dark sky sanctuary, Gwent police drop investigation into alleged assault of boy who lost finger, Climber, 23, dies in Snowdonia fall after rock comes away in his hand, Wales pledges 50m to bring derelict empty homes back into use, Brecon Beacons board adds disabled, LGBT and minority-ethnic champions, Wales health chief urges NYE revellers to drink less to ease pressure on NHS, Welsh education minister hits out at misinformation over LGBTQ+ curriculum. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. The Prime Minister tweeted: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Leader of the Labour Party, Kier Starmer, tweeted: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". ", 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. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". 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). '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling, Price said. Media Coverage; Podcast; Films. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. "My thoughts are with you and your family. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, called the news "absolutely devastating". Who is Mark Drakefords wife? The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. In February 2021, Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his vulnerable wife for most of 2020 in order to keep her safe. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. '', 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.". While speaking on an ITV Wales podcast, the father of three said: It is a bit emotional. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died.