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Australia's Albanese Weds Partner in Historic In-Office Ceremony
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his longtime partner, Jodie Haydon, on Saturday in Canberra, marking the first time a sitting leader has wed while in office. The ceremony followed the final parliamentary session of the year, held at the prime minister's official residence, The Lodge.
Private Ceremony with Close Circle
The couple exchanged vows in an intimate gathering attended by Haydon's parents, Albanese's son Nathan from a previous marriage, and several cabinet ministers. Security concerns had kept the event details confidential until the last moment. Albanese's dog, Toto, served as ring bearer, while the newlyweds exited to Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours).
In a brief statement, the couple expressed their joy: "We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends."
Celebrations and Personal Touches
The reception featured a first dance to Frank Sinatra's The Way You Look Tonight and custom beer cans printed with the couple's engagement photo. Albanese shared a video on social media capturing the confetti-laden aisle walk. The newlyweds will honeymoon domestically from Monday to Friday, a scaled-back plan following Albanese's May re-election.
From Opposition to Historic Milestones
Albanese, 62, and Haydon, 47, met at a Melbourne business dinner in 2020 when he led the opposition. Haydon became a public figure during his 2022 and 2025 campaigns, accompanying him to events like Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and a Biden-hosted state dinner. Their Valentine's Day 2024 engagement also set a precedent-Albanese being the first PM to propose while in office.
"We are so lucky to have found each other," the couple stated after their engagement.
