Canberra is abuzz with news of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s wedding to Jodie Haydon, a significant event that makes him the first Australian Prime Minister to marry while in office. The couple celebrated their union in an intimate ceremony at The Lodge on Saturday, marking a personal milestone directly after the final parliamentary session of 2025.
The official residence, The Lodge, provided a personal setting for the wedding, attended by a small circle of loved ones. Among the guests were Albanese’s son, Nathan, and Jodie Haydon’s parents. The newlyweds released a joint statement expressing their profound 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.” The celebration continued with a reception also hosted at The Lodge.
Their path to marriage began with Albanese’s proposal on Valentine’s Day 2024, where he presented a bespoke engagement ring. The couple’s relationship, initiated five years ago, is said to have been fueled by a mutual passion for rugby league. Their memorable first encounter in Melbourne in 2019 involved Haydon’s vocal support for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, which captured Albanese’s attention.
Jodie Haydon, who has a career in the NSW Public Service and the superannuation sector, has become a visible figure in her capacity as prime ministerial partner, including her patronage of the National Portrait Gallery. She has previously highlighted Albanese’s character, describing him as a compassionate and kind individual who respects her autonomy.
The wedding was conducted with significant security protocols in place, a response to recent safety advisories concerning the Prime Minister. The historic venue, The Lodge, has been a prime ministerial home for many years, undergoing extensive renovations completed in 2019. This union follows Albanese’s previous marriage, which concluded in separation in 2019, and is the first marriage for Jodie Haydon.