Arnold Schwarzenegger enjoyed a rare public outing with his longtime girlfriend Heather Milligan this week as the couple attended the Austrian World Summit in Vienna.
The Terminator star, 78, and physical therapist Heather, 51, stepped out together in support of his environmental organisation, The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, at the annual event held at Vienna's historic Hofburg Palace.
The couple, who have been together for 14 years, were photographed posing alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
© AFP via Getty ImagesA rare glimpse into their private romance
Despite being one of Hollywood's most recognisable stars, Arnold and Heather have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight since they first started dating in 2012.
For the occasion, Heather looked elegant in a pale green double-breasted blazer layered over a lace-trimmed camisole and white trousers, while Arnold opted for a dark checked blazer, black polo shirt and jeans.
Their appearance offered fans a rare glimpse of the famously private couple, who are seldom photographed together at public events.
© Getty ImagesHow Arnold and Heather met
Their love story began shortly after Arnold underwent shoulder surgery while preparing to film Escape Plan with longtime friend and co-star Sylvester Stallone.
According to Arnold, it was Sylvester who recommended Heather, an acclaimed physical therapist whose clients include elite athletes from the NFL, NBA and WWE.
Speaking previously about their first meeting, Arnold recalled that after completing his rehabilitation and filming commitments, he invited Heather to lunch to thank her for her help. "One thing led to the next," he later shared.
Over the years, Arnold has spoken warmly about their relationship, describing it as "fantastic" and praising Heather's independence and work ethic. "We have so many things in common," he said in a previous interview. "I think the world of her."
© Getty ImagesA shared passion for hard work
Heather is the founder of Elite OrthoSport in Los Angeles and has built an impressive reputation working with professional athletes.
Arnold has often joked that he enjoys visiting her clinic and chatting with some of the sports stars receiving treatment there.
"I admire them, they're great athletes," he once said. The actor has also credited Heather's drive and ambition as qualities he particularly admires. "I love that she's into working. She's clearly independent. She just is driven as hell," he said.
Life after Maria Shriver
Before finding love with Heather, Arnold was married to journalist and author Maria Shriver for 25 years.
The former couple share four children together and have remained on good terms in the years since their separation. Their marriage ended following the revelation that Arnold had fathered a son, Joseph Baena, with former housekeeper Mildred Baena.
Today, Joseph has followed in his father's footsteps as a bodybuilder and actor, with Arnold frequently expressing pride in his achievements.
© AFP via Getty ImagesChampioning climate action
The Austrian World Summit remains one of Arnold's most important annual projects. Founded through The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the conference aims to bring together political leaders, businesses, scientists and activists to share practical solutions to climate challenges.
According to organisers, the event seeks to provide "a broad platform for concrete solutions and successful ideas" while encouraging collaboration and innovation.
