UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially tied the knot with his partner, Jodie Haydon, in a surprise ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The intimate event was kept under wraps, attended by a select group of close friends and family, along with the Prime Minister’s cherished dog, Toto.
The couple, aged 62 and 47, exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony inside the historic residence, known for hosting Australian leaders since 1927. Ms. Haydon dazzled in a long-sleeve white gown designed by Romance was Born, while Mr. Albanese looked classic in a navy suit from MJ Bale, complete with a bow tie.
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the newlyweds expressed their 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.” Toto took on a special role as the ring bearer, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
The couple first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2019, bonding over their mutual love for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Their relationship blossomed quietly as Ms. Haydon supported Mr. Albanese during the 2022 and 2025 federal election campaigns, accompanying him on significant international visits to Dubai, Madrid, Paris, and London.
Married by a celebrant from the NSW Central Coast, the couple chose to write their own vows. Ms. Haydon was escorted down the aisle by her parents to the tune of Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest.” Their first dance was set to the classic Frank Sinatra hit, “The Way You Look Tonight.” Guests enjoyed local brews from Willie the Boatman, a brewery located in Mr. Albanese’s constituency.
Just two weeks prior, Mr. Albanese hinted at a possible wedding during an interview, stating it would be a “great day in front of family and friends, pretty small and something that’s about myself and Jodie rather than a big public event.” His prediction proved accurate as the couple celebrated their love in an intimate setting.
The couple plans to embark on a honeymoon in Australia starting Monday, October 16, 2023, and returning on Friday, October 20, 2023. Their wedding rings were sourced from Cerrone Jewellers in Leichhardt, within the Prime Minister’s Grayndler electorate.
Before this marriage, Mr. Albanese had a long-term relationship with former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt, whom he was with for 30 years, married for 19 of those, before their separation in 2019. Opposition leader Sussan Ley expressed her congratulations in a statement, wishing the couple happiness as they build their lives together.
This secret wedding marks a significant personal milestone for the Prime Minister and reflects a new chapter in their lives. As the world awaits further developments, this joyous occasion highlights the human side of leadership, reminding us that love and commitment transcend the political arena.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as it develops!
