Canadian Eliza Reid becomes Iceland’s first lady

Voters in Iceland have elected a new president, and in doing so have made a Canadian woman the Nordic nation’s new first lady.

Gudni Johannesson — a history professor who’s never held public office — has been declared the winner of Sunday’s vote, which means his wife, Eliza Reid, who grew up in the Ottawa valley, will assume the role of first lady.

WATCH: Canadian woman could be next first lady of Iceland

2:39 Canadian woman could be next first lady of Iceland

The two met when they were both studying history in England. They moved to Iceland in 2003, married a year later and now have four children.

The Icelandic presidency is a largely ceremonial role that’s been compared to Canada’s Governor General.

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The 40-year-old Reid, who works as a writer and editor, recently said she believed her Canadian background had helped her husband’s campaign because she doesn’t try to be something she’s not, and that appeals to people.

She also said she felt welcomed by Icelandic society and would consider it a tremendous honour to be first lady.