Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his longtime partner Jodie Haydon on Saturday, becoming the first serving leader in the nation's history to tie the knot while in office. The intimate ceremony took place in the garden of The Lodge, the prime minister's official residence in Canberra.
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A private ceremony with family and close friends
The vows were custom-written by the 62-year-old prime minister and the 46-year-old financial services professional. They were married by a celebrant at a gathering attended only by family members and close friends, AFP reported.
"We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends," Albanese said in a statement. He later posted a one-word message-"Married"-on social media, along with a short video of him holding Haydon's hand as confetti fell around them. Haydon wore a long white gown while Albanese appeared in a bow tie.
A bond nurtured over years
In recent years, Haydon has joined Albanese on countless public appearances, including his election campaign in 2022 and the celebrations this May when his Labour Party won a strong majority. The two were introduced to each other more than five years ago at a Melbourne business dinner. Albanese had previously been married and had a son, Nathan; he and his former wife separated in 2019.
The wedding comes more than a year after Albanese proposed on Valentine’s Day 2024, saying at the time he had found a partner “who I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
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Music, moments and a short honeymoon
Having exchanged vows, the newlyweds walked back down the aisle to the Stevie Wonder classic " Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)." The pair's first dance was set to Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight."
The couple will be spending their honeymoon in Australia between Monday and Friday of next week. The prime minister's office said all expenses of the trip will be privately paid for by Albanese and Haydon.
