Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new wife, Jodie Haydon, on their wedding. The Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes via a post on X, writing, "Congratulations to my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon on their wedding. Wishing them a happy married life". This message highlights the personal connection that has developed between the two leaders through various interactions, including Quad meetings and bilateral trade discussions.
The wedding ceremony, a private affair held at The Lodge, the official prime ministerial residence in Canberra, marked a historic moment as the first time a sitting Australian Prime Minister has married while in office. Approximately 60 close family members and friends attended the ceremony, which took place shortly after the final parliamentary sitting of the year.
Albanese, 62, and Haydon, 46, exchanged personal vows during the intimate ceremony. A unique highlight of the event was the participation of the Prime Minister's dog, Toto, as the ring bearer, and Haydon's five-year-old niece as the flower girl. The newlyweds released a joint statement expressing 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". The couple plans to spend their honeymoon in Australia, covering all expenses personally.
The wedding garnered international attention, with well-wishes pouring in from around the globe, underscoring the strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Australia. PM Modi's message reflects the personal warmth that has grown between the two leaders amidst frequent official engagements.
Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020. Albanese proposed to Haydon at The Lodge on Valentine's Day last year. Albanese has an adult son and was previously divorced.
