Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made history over the weekend by becoming the first federal leader in 124 years to marry while in office, though the ceremony was kept notably private amid political sensitivities.
The wedding to Jodie Haydon took place Saturday afternoon at The Lodge, the prime minister’s official residence in Canberra.
Only about 60 close family and friends, including several government ministers, attended the intimate ceremony. Australian media reported the event only after it had concluded, respecting the couple’s wish for privacy.
In a joint statement, Albanese and Haydon expressed their joy, saying they were “so happy to announce our love and commitment, in front of our closest family and friends.”
Their beloved dog, Toto, served as the ring bearer, while Haydon’s five-year-old granddaughter, Ella, was the flower girl. A registrar officiated the ceremony.
The 62-year-old prime minister, who is divorced with one son, proposed to the 46-year-old finance professional on Valentine’s Day last year at the same official residence.
Initially, the couple had considered a larger wedding before the mid-2025 federal election.
However, strategists from Albanese’s Labor Party advised against a grand public ceremony. Concerns were raised that a lavish event could negatively impact public perception while Australians grapple with a significant cost-of-living crisis.
Albanese had previously mentioned the possibility of inviting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a close friend, to the original, larger event.
Haydon and Albanese first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020 and have been together for four years.
The timing of the private ceremony, just two days after parliament closed its end-of-year session, allowed for a quiet family event at the usually bustling government residence.