Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tied the knot with long-time partner Jodie Haydon on Saturday, marking a historic first for the nation: a sitting leader getting married while in office.
The 62-year-old leader and his bride, a financial services professional, held a private ceremony in the gardens of Canberra’s official residence, The Lodge. Sharing a glimpse of the celebration on social media, Albanese captioned a short video with a single word: “Married.” In it, he is seen in a bow-tie, holding Haydon’s hand as confetti falls around the couple, who both radiate happiness.
In a joint statement, Albanese and Haydon said they were thrilled to declare their commitment in the presence of close family and friends.
The wedding came more than a year after Albanese proposed on Valentine’s Day 2024, telling reporters he had found someone “I want to spend the rest of my life with.” The couple wrote their own vows and were officially married by a celebrant.
Adding a personal touch, their cavoodle, Toto, acted as ring bearer. Guests enjoyed beverages from a Sydney-based brewery, and the couple walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s classic, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).”
The newlyweds plan a five-day honeymoon in Australia starting Monday.
Albanese, who divorced his previous wife in 2019 and has an adult son, Nathan, first met Haydon over five years ago at a business dinner in Melbourne.
A career-long Labor Party member, Albanese joined the party in high school and became deeply engaged in student politics while at the University of Sydney. He secured a second term as prime minister following a decisive Labor victory in May this year.