February 15, 2024
In a heartwarming Valentine's Day announcement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed his engagement to Jodie Haydon, his partner of four years, BBC reported.
The historic proposal took place at the Lodge, the official Canberra residence of the prime minister, where Mr Albanese, 60, presented a specially designed ring.
Breaking ground as the first Australian leader to get engaged while in office, Mr Albanese shared the joyful news on social media with a selfie, accompanied by the caption, "She said yes." The couple expressed their excitement in a joint statement: "We are thrilled and excited to share this news and look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. We are so lucky to have found each other."
Colleagues from the parliament, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, congratulated the couple, emphasising the beauty of love. Mr Albanese, who has a 23-year-old son from a previous marriage, shared insights into his relationship with Ms Haydon, revealing that their connection blossomed over a shared passion for the National Rugby League team.
The couple initially kept a low profile, but Ms Haydon joined Mr Albanese on the campaign trail in 2022 and accompanied him on international trips as prime minister.
As the news of their engagement spreads, well-wishes pour in from various quarters, showcasing the joyous celebration of love in the political realm.