In a social media post on Thursday morning, Anthony Albanese shared a photo of himself and partner Jodie Haydon showing off a new diamond ring. The caption read, “She said yes.”
The couple have since received congratulatory messages from around the world, from the New Zealand prime minister to Nigella Lawson. And the post signals that the first divorcee to become Australia’s Prime Minister could now become the first Prime Minister to marry while in office.
Relating to: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces his engagement to partner Jodie Haydon
Here’s the where, when and how of Albanese and Haydon’s big day (it’s all hypothetical, of course).
How did Albanese propose?
The couple shared a Valentine’s Day dinner at Italian and Sons in Canberra’s north on Wednesday night, where special menus cost $135 per person. After returning to the Lodge, 60-year-old Albanese popped the question to one of the residence’s balconies. It appears that Albanese custom-designed the engagement ring.
“We are thrilled to share this news and look forward to spending the rest of our lives together,” the newly engaged couple said in a joint statement. “We are so lucky to have found each other.”
Who is Jodie Haydon?
Haydon, 45, grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, the daughter of schoolteachers and lifelong Labor voters. She works full-time as a women’s officer for the NSW Public Service Association and lives in Sydney’s inner west, or did until moving to Kirribilli House.
How did the couple meet?
Albanese’s popular NRL team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, had a lot to do with it. In late 2019, Haydon attended a national union conference in Melbourne where Albanese was the keynote speaker. After some scolding about the rabbis, she called out, “Raise the rabbis to their feet.” The then opposition leader then introduced himself to her as the only other Rabbitohs fan in the room, according to News Corp’s interview. He later contacted her via Twitter and the pair met for beers at Young Henry’s Brewery in Newtown.
Will it be a church wedding?
This is unlikely; He is a non-practising Catholic and a divorcee, and he opted for a civilian confirmation when he was sworn in as Prime Minister.
When will the wedding take place?
It is clear that the next election is very important. If the couple marries before the next federal election, a standard election of half the House and Senate must be held before May 24, 2025. He emphasized that the election could be held as early as August 3, 2024, but the prime minister is waiting. government to serve for the entire term.
Where will it be?
It’s supposed to be in Australia, and Albanians will probably want to avoid any impression that taxpayers’ dollars went to the wedding, which confuses the Lodge and Kirribilli House and leaves some other possibilities:
Young Henry’s Brewery, Newtown: “We are delighted to hear that Albo and Jodie are engaged and are offering to host pending weddings at our brewery on our friends’ rates,” says Richard Adamson, co-founder of Young Henrys. “Whether or not this offer is accepted, we wish the couple the best.”
Marrickville Golf Club: “We used to see him a bit when he lived 500 meters from the golf club, but since he’s Prime Minister we don’t see much of him anymore,” says Mathew Ward, the club’s general manager. “It would be great to have him attend a small barefoot wedding locally.”
Boatman Willie brewery, Marrickville: The house of “Albo” is a 5.5% pale ale; At least that’s the beer that’s taken care of.
South Sydney Rabbitohs club, Maroubra: Because it had a lot to do with the couple date.
Marrickville Town Hall: Seating for 250 people for a banquet meal. The cost to rent the venue on a full Saturday is $2,560.
marrickville Hard Court Tennis Club: “We would be excited. “We’d be very happy to host a wedding for the Prime Minister if he loves Portuguese food,” says consultancy director Ron Browne. The small kitchen can accommodate dinner for 120 people and there is plenty of availability, provided Albanese, a keen tennis player, regularly works out alongside the locals.
Marrickville Bowling Club: It’s better known for barefoot bowling than weddings, but if Albanese can plan competitive bowls and live music bookings, he could invite 350 people to bowl.
Old Parliament House, Canberra: Convenient, thematic and commuting plus space for 500 guests.
What will the bride wear?
Something uniquely Australian and elegant. “[Haydon] “She looked amazing at Paolo Sebastian in Washington,” says Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann. “He’s a huge fan of her work… She would do a phenomenal job.
“She is incredibly loyal to Australian designers and wears them very well.
“Feedback from the industry is that he is a pleasure to work with and is always appreciative and respectful.”
Haydon wore dresses by Karen Gee when she met with French President Emmanuel Macron at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral and at a NATO event in Spain. Carla Zampatti is another possibility.
There is no official budget for this; Haydon’s clothes and styling are paid for out of her own pocket. A borrowed or rented dress is out of the question for a sustainability-minded bride, a Labor source says.
What’s on the playlist?
The couple share a love of music – Albanese was a music ambassador for Record Store Day Australia and Haydon worked in a record store for years in his youth. “He could even DJ his own wedding,” says a Labor insider. The tracklist includes Joy Division, Hunters and Collectors, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Bruce Springsteen, the Pixies, the Jam, Midnight Oil and the Smiths.
So will Toto be there?
Of course, Albanese’s cavoodle, Toto, will be invited. She described him as “loving, loyal, a great friend and always so happy to see me.”
Ring bearer, flower baby, bouquet bearer – it’s all possible. Just ask Wedding Paws, which specializes in “making your pets a part of your special day.” If the Prime Minister wants to outsource Toto’s management for the day, there’s a range of on-site pet grooming and apparel, including floral headdresses, bow ties and optional “top dog” collars, starting at $575. will have a wedding package.
Albanese’s second wedding
Albanese has an adult son, Nathan, with ex-wife and former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt. The then provincial seat of Marrickville overlapped with the federal seat of Grayndler. The couple married in 2000 and separated in 2019; There was a moment when Albanese called himself a “surprise”.
Who’s on the guest list?
Will the prime minister go big and grand, inviting everyone from King Charles to US president Joe Biden to the Dalai Lama, or will the couple keep things on low tones? Our money is on the latter.
“He doesn’t need to invite the whole cabinet, but he could for optics,” says a Labor Party insider. “But then it could turn into a staff of thousands.”
High on the list are MPs Richard Marles, Penny Wong, Don Farrell, Tim Ayres and chief of staff Tim Gartrell, as well as NSW premier Chris Minns, his wife Anna, tennis pal Peter Fitzsimons and TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson. So will Kyle Sandilands’ wedding invitation be reciprocated?
What’s on the menu?
“Neither of them want fireworks and Russian caviar. A former Labor Party worker says they are working class and have no fancy tastes.
The meals could celebrate his Italian heritage – and chances are the caterer will be someone local to Marrickville, possibly someone who supports his campaigns.