Australia was witness to a major personal event in the country’s political landscape on Saturday, when the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his long-time spouse, Jodie Haydon, becoming the first leader in history of the country to get married during his time in the office. The intimate ceremony was held in the stunning gardens at The Lodge, the prime minister’s official residence in Canberra. The couple were surrounded by close family and friends.

Albanese, who is 62, was smiley and happy as he sat with Haydon who works in the financial sector. The bride was wearing a long elegant white gown while the prime minister went for an elegant black suit and bow-tie. The entire moment was captured in the form of a video posted on his social media profiles, that he shared with a simple caption: “Married.” The video shows the newlyweds hugging and beaming while confetti was poured over them, a symbol of the celebration as well as the beginning of a brand new chapter.

In a joint announcement released just after their wedding, they shared their delight at finally establishing their marriage. “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 statement read. The words of the couple reflected the warm and intimate nature of the event that was kept private despite the intense interest of the public.

The wedding comes nearly an entire time since Albanese made a proposal to Haydon on Valentine’s Day in 2024. In the year 2024, the premier spoke out about the significance of the proposal in saying that he had met an individual “who I want to spend the rest of my life with.” The proposal was a personal moment in a time which was otherwise marked by a heavy burden of national and political obligations.

Albanese as well as Haydon began their relationship at the same Sydney business gathering in the year 2020. The couple’s relationship grew steadily in the next few years. Haydon has been a prominent presence at large public events as well as in the midst of the prime minister’s campaign however, Albanese and Haydon have tended to keep their relationship private and grounded. Their wedding, which was kept from the spotlight and not surrounded by the extravagant fanfare typically associated with politicians, was a reflection of their desire to remain private.

The event also has significant historical significance. While leaders from all over the world have been married at times during their time in office, no Australian premier has ever been married. Albanese’s wedding is a special moment to his term and is a rare time of celebration in the national political arena.

With congratulatory messages pouring in, officials revealed that the couple is planning to spend time with each other before the prime minister goes back to his tasks. No details about a honeymoon were revealed in keeping with their low-key approach to their personal life.