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Clare Drakeford: Funeral held for wife of Wales' FM

Jonathan Myers/WalesOnline Mark DrakefordJonathan Myers/WalesOnline
Mark Drakeford arrived with family for the private ceremony on Thursday morning

Senior politicians have gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of Clare Drakeford.

The wife of the first minister died suddenly at the age of 71 last month.

Mark Drakeford arrived with family for the ceremony at Thornhill Crematorium on Thursday morning.

Presiding officer Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price and the Welsh Conservatives' Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies were among those paying their respects.

Former First Minister Carwyn Jones also attended, alongside a number of Labour frontbenchers and the Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds.

Following the funeral Mr Drakeford tweeted: "The past weeks have been incredibly difficult for our family, but I'm grateful for the many kind words of support we have received.

"Diolch o galon i chi gyd [Many thanks to you all]."

Condolences were paid across the political spectrum when Mrs Drakeford's death was announced last month.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said he knew "how committed Mark and Clare were to each other".

UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mark Drakeford and his family were "all in our thoughts and prayers".

Jonathan Myers/WalesOnline Funeral carsJonathan Myers/WalesOnline
Jonathan Myers/WalesOnline Carwyn JonesJonathan Myers/WalesOnline
Carwyn Jones was among those who paid their respects at the funeral
Getty Images Mark and Clare DrakefordGetty Images
Condolences were paid across the political spectrum when Clare Drakeford died suddenly last month