Historic Wedding: Australian Prime Minister Ties the Knot While in Office

Fri Dec 05 2025 00:56:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Anthony Albanese makes history as the first sitting Australian prime minister to marry, celebrating his union with Jodie Haydon amid a heartfelt ceremony in Canberra.

In a significant milestone for Australian politics, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wedded Jodie Haydon, marking the first time a sitting leader has tied the knot while in office. The couple, who became engaged on Valentine's Day last year, exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. With their dog as the ring bearer and a joyous reception that featured personal touches, the event also highlighted the couple's love for each other and their commitment to building a future together. Albanese and Haydon plan to honeymoon in Australia shortly after their wedding.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner Jodie Haydon, becoming the country's first leader to tie the knot while in office.

The pair married in the capital, Canberra, on Saturday afternoon - the day after the final sitting of the parliamentary year.

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 brief statement.

The couple became engaged on Valentine's Day last year. The Labor leader's proposal and the wedding reception both took place at his official residence, The Lodge.

Until the big day, the wedding plans had been kept under wraps due to concerns about security and potential disruptions.

Albanese's son Nathan from his previous marriage and Jodie Haydon's parents were in attendance. The couple's dog Toto acted as ring bearer while the couple walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours).

Several of Albanese's cabinet ministers attended the ceremony.

At the reception, their first dance was to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. The celebrations also featured custom-made beer cans printed with the image used to announce their engagement.

The couple are set to honeymoon in Australia from Monday to Friday next week - plans that were pared back after his re-election in May.

Albanese, 62, and Jodie Haydon, 47, first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020, while he was leader of the opposition. Haydon appeared during Albanese's 2022 and 2025 election campaigns, and has been seen alongside the PM at major events including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and a state dinner hosted by former US President Joe Biden.

Albanese also made Australian history by becoming the first prime minister to get engaged while in office. The couple said in a joint statement at the time that they were so lucky to have found each other.