In a groundbreaking political and personal event, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married Jodie Haydon, becoming the first sitting Prime Minister to wed. The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony held at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday afternoon, immediately following the conclusion of the final parliamentary sittings for 2025.
The ceremony was described as intimate, with only a few close family members and friends present. Albanese’s son, Nathan, and Haydon’s parents were among the guests. The couple radiated happiness in their shared statement: “We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.” A reception was subsequently held at The Lodge.
Albanese had proposed to Haydon on Valentine’s Day in February 2024, gifting her a ring he had personally designed. Their relationship, which dates back five years, reportedly ignited over their shared enthusiasm for rugby league. They first crossed paths at a Melbourne event in 2019, where Haydon’s vocal support for the South Sydney Rabbitohs caught the Prime Minister’s attention.
Jodie Haydon, who has a professional background in the NSW Public Service and superannuation, has taken on the traditional duties of a prime ministerial spouse, including her role as chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery. She has publicly lauded Albanese’s character, emphasizing his compassion, kindness, and respect for her independence.
Heightened security measures were implemented for the wedding, reflecting recent concerns for the Prime Minister’s safety. The wedding took place at The Lodge, a historic residence dating back to 1927. This marks Albanese’s second marriage, having previously been married for nearly twenty years before his separation in 2019, while this is Jodie Haydon’s first marriage.