Canberra: Anthony Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to marry while in office when he married Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony in Canberra on Saturday.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister’s Office reported that Haydon’s five-year-old granddaughter, Ella, acted as the flower girl, carrying a basket of petals as she led the bridal procession into the ceremony. Adding a unique touch to the event, Albanese’s dog, Toto, served as the ring bearer. Guests were treated to specially brewed beer in cans from Sydney’s Willie the Boatman brewery, known for its craft beers.
For the ceremony, the bride wore a dress created by Sydney designer Romance was Born, while the Prime Minister donned a suit from Australian premium menswear brand MJ Bale. The wedding was anticipated to occur this year after Albanese proposed to Haydon on Valentine’s Day 2024, although the details and the date of the ceremony were kept secret.
A statement revealed that the couple exchanged vows in a small ceremony attended by only family and close friends at the prime minister’s official residence, The Lodge. Over the years, Haydon has been a constant presence beside Mr. Albanese, accompanying him to events and supporting him during both the 2022 election campaign and this year’s general campaign.