In a landmark event for Australian political history, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner Jodie Haydon during a private ceremony in Canberra. The wedding marks the first time a sitting Australian prime minister has tied the knot while in office.
A Private Celebration at The Lodge
The ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon, witnessed by an intimate gathering of close family and friends. Among the attendees were Albanese's son Nathan and Haydon's parents Bill and Pauline. Following the heartfelt vows, guests celebrated at a reception held within the Prime Minister's official residence, The Lodge.
"We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends," the newlywed Prime Minister declared.
Details surrounding the wedding were meticulously guarded by the Labor leader's office. The timing followed the final parliamentary sitting day for 2025 and comes six months after Albanese's decisive re-election victory.
From a Rabbitohs Cheer to a Marriage Proposal
The couple's journey began over five years ago at a public function in Melbourne, where their shared passion for rugby league sparked an initial connection. Haydon famously called out "Up the Rabbitohs" while Albanese was speaking, a nod to his beloved South Sydney team.
Their relationship blossomed after Haydon introduced herself to the then opposition leader and later connected with him on social media. "I slid into his DMs," she once recalled in an interview. "He had a public profile and I didn't, so I knew that we both followed the same footy team... and I think I said in that direct message 'hey, we're both single'."
The romance progressed through the challenges of Australia's Covid-19 disruptions. Their engagement was announced after a romantic Valentine's Day in February 2024, when Albanese proposed on the balcony of The Lodge following a dinner at a popular Canberra restaurant. For the occasion, he designed a bespoke engagement ring.
Life as the Prime Minister's Partner
Jodie Haydon, who works for the NSW Public Service Association, has become a steady presence alongside the Prime Minister. She regularly accompanies him to public events, on official overseas travel, and during election campaigns. While more media-shy than some political partners, she has embraced certain traditional spousal roles, serving as chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.
Born to school teacher parents in Bankstown, Sydney, but raised on the NSW Central Coast, Haydon has previously worked in the superannuation sector. She has publicly praised Albanese for his "compassion and kindness", noting before the election that "He respects me being independent but also he is kind and thoughtful."
In the lead-up to the wedding, Albanese revealed the couple hadn't found time to practice their first dance. "It'll be lovely," he said. "It'll just be a chance for us to express our love and spending the rest of our lives together in front of family and friends."
The wedding took place amid heightened security in Canberra due to acknowledged threats against the Prime Minister's safety. Albanese had recently informed parliament about multiple arrests associated with his security, leading to an increased police presence at his events.
