The wife of the First Minister of Wales has passed away suddenly.
Mr Drakeford and his wife Clare were married for 46 years and have three children.
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.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: “Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. W & C”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent his “heartfelt condolences” to Mark Drakeford and his family.
He tweeted “Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford.
“I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. I can’t imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to them.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also sent his and his party’s condolences, saying: “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.
Leading politicians from across the UK passed on their condolences including Nicola Sturgeon the First Minister of Scotland who tweeted saying she was sending her Welsh counterpart “love and strength.
“My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.
“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.”
Members of the Senedd also passed on their condolences including Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies who said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time.
“On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.”
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.”
