Anthony Albanese becomes the first Australian Prime Minister to marry while in office; global leaders extend congratulations.
NEW DELHI/CANBERRA, Nov 29: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese created a historic moment on Saturday, marrying his long-time partner Jodie Haydon in an intimate ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra—making him the first Australian PM to wed while in office.
The news quickly drew warm wishes from across the world, including a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shares a close working relationship with the Australian leader.
“Congratulations to my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon on their wedding. Wishing them a happy married life,” PM Modi posted on X, offering one of the first international greetings following the announcement.
Albanese and Haydon, who have been public partners for several years, said they were “delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.” The couple released a short celebratory video on X, captioned simply: “Married.”
A Ceremony Marked by Bipartisan Warmth
The private wedding was attended by a cross-section of Australia’s political leadership, including senior ministers Penny Wong, Mark Butler, Katy Gallagher, Don Farrell, Tony Burke, Richard Marles, Jim Chalmers, Tim Ayres, and Jenny McAllister. New South Wales MPs John Graham and Jo Haylen were also present.
In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley extended her congratulations. “I wish them every happiness as they continue building their lives together,” she said.
A Milestone in a Transformative Political Year
The wedding caps a landmark year for Albanese, who earlier led the Labour Party to a historic landslide victory, securing a record 94 seats in the lower house. Throughout his political rise, Haydon has been a steady and visible presence, accompanying him during the 2022 federal campaign and major public events.
Albanese has often spoken affectionately about Haydon’s role in his life. On election night, he publicly thanked her, saying:
“You make me so happy… you have my heart, I love you, and I look forward to living our lives together.”
A New Chapter for the First Couple
This is the second marriage for the Australian Prime Minister. His previous 19-year marriage to former NSW politician Carmel Tebbutt ended in 2019.
Saturday’s ceremony marks a personal milestone that now becomes part of Australia’s political history—a leader stepping into a new phase of life while steering the nation.
As messages pour in from across the country and the world, PM Modi’s warm greeting underscores the deepening India–Australia friendship, anchored not just in diplomacy and trade, but in genuine personal respect between leaders.
- G’day India
