Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced.
"It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister," a spokesperson said.
"The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected."
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “I’m 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.
"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 our thoughts and prayers.”
Downing Street said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately.
Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three adult children together.
Mr Drakeford has been First Minister of Wales since 2018.
The family has lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price tweeted: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford.
I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. My thoughts are with you and your family. We're all here for you Mark."
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.
"My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time,"
Ms Sturgeon tweeted. "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.
"Sending him love and strength."
Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies 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."
During the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Drakeford moved into a building in his garden to protect his wife and mother-in-law, who he said had been shielding.
He said in February 2021 how they were in the top four priority groups for vaccination "due to their conditions".
Mr Drakeford added at the time: "I'm hugely grateful, because they're both vulnerable. And although they've been incredibly careful and don't do anything that puts them at risk, the fact they've had the vaccine is a relief."
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies sent his thoughts and prayers to Mr Drakeford and his family.
"Absolutely devastating news to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Drakeford and his family during this incredibly difficult time," he tweeted.
Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to the First Minister at this very difficult time.
"On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends."
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 Cardiff Central Labour Party and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family."
