Biden marries granddaughter behind closed doors at White House

An official photograph shows the bride in a lace bodice dress, designed by American designer Ralph Lauren, and her husband in a navy blue suit, surrounded by “Pop” and “Nana” – the nicknames given to Joe and Jill Biden by their grandchildren. After the ceremony, which took place under a cold sun in the gardens of the White House, decorated with garlands of immaculate flowers, the guests were invited to lunch in one of the ceremonial rooms. A gala evening, complete with “dancing and dessert” is still planned, all of which is being funded by the Bidens.

It is not entirely unusual for the grand colonnaded building to host weddings. The White House Historical Association has counted eighteen weddings held there in the past, including that of Richard Nixon’s daughter in 1971. But this is the first time a president has married his granddaughter there.

The services of Joe Biden, who will celebrate his 80th birthday on Sunday, have been sparing with details on the wedding, a private event entirely for the press. The president of the United States, patriarch of a very close-knit clan, is very close to his grandchildren, who are often seen at his side, including at official events.

Naomi is named after Joe Biden’s first daughter, who died as a baby in a car accident that also claimed the life of the first wife of the U.S. President in 1972. The press attributes great importance to her in the private circle and indicates that she pushed her grandfather to run for president in 2020.

Joe Biden, who says he intends to run again in 2024, said his final decision will be made after family discussions. He expects to announce it early next year.