Australia's PM Albanese marries Jodie Haydon in office

In a historic milestone for Australian politics, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner Jodie Haydon. The Canberra ceremony marks the first time a sitting leader has tied the knot while in office, emphasizing a personal moment kept private until now.

The wedding took place in Canberra on a Saturday afternoon, the day after the final parliamentary sitting of the year. The ceremony and the reception were hosted at The Lodge, Albanese's official residence, with close family and friends in attendance.

The couple became engaged on Valentine's Day last year. The proposal and the reception both occurred at The Lodge, underscoring the couple's preference for a private celebration.

Attendees included Jodie Haydon's parents and Albanese's son Nathan from a previous marriage. The prime minister's dog Toto served as ring bearer as the couple walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's song Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours).

A short video posted on Albanese's official social accounts captured their exit amid confetti as guests cheered the pair.

Several cabinet ministers attended the ceremony, along with family and friends from public life.

During the reception, the couple shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra's The Way You Look Tonight. The celebrations also featured custom-made beer cans printed with the image used to announce their engagement.

The newlyweds plan to take a brief domestic honeymoon next week, a plan trimmed back after Albanese's re-election in May.

Albanese, 62, and Haydon, 47, first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020, when he was the opposition leader. Haydon appeared on the campaign trail during the 2022 and 2025 elections and has joined him at major events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and a state dinner hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Albanese has made Australian history by becoming the first prime minister to become engaged while in office. The couple said in a joint statement they feel lucky to have found each other.

Expert comment: Political analysts say the wedding adds a human dimension to the leader and signals political stability, without implying immediate policy changes. It is likely to be seen as a personal milestone that does not disrupt governance.

Summary: Albanese's wedding to Jodie Haydon marks a historic moment as the first sitting Australian prime minister to wed during office. The intimate ceremony featured family members and key colleagues, with personal touches such as Toto the dog present. After the election, the couple planned a brief domestic honeymoon, reflecting a low-key approach to high-profile events.

Key insight: Albanese's marriage in office highlights a historic personal milestone for Australia's leadership, showing a relatable side of the prime minister while maintaining political continuity. Source: BBC News