Keira Knightley’s Family, Past Relationships, and Closest Friends: Full Story
Keira Knightley is known for her roles in films like Bend It Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean. Off screen, strong connections with her family, relationships, and friends have shaped her life. Knightley once said, “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.”
Family Life
Keira Knightley grew up in Teddington, London. Her parents were both involved in the arts, which influenced her early interest in acting. Her father, Will Knightley, is an actor, while her mother, Sharman Macdonald, is a playwright. The creative atmosphere at home gave Keira many opportunities.
Keira has an older brother named Caleb, who mostly stays out of the spotlight. The family’s support helped Keira handle early fame and the pressures of a public career. They remain close, often attending events together.
Knightley is married to James Righton, a musician and former member of the band Klaxons. They met through friends in 2011. Their relationship grew quickly, and they married in Mazan, France, in May 2013.
Together, Keira and James have two children. Their first daughter, Edie, was born in 2015. Their second child, another daughter, followed in 2019. Both children are biological. Knightley has spoken of the joys and challenges of raising children, often balancing work and family life.
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Will Knightley | Father | 1946 |
| Sharman Macdonald | Mother | 1951 |
| Caleb Knightley | Brother | 1979 |
| James Righton | Spouse | 1983 |
| Edie Righton | Daughter | 2015 |
| [Second Daughter] | Daughter | 2019 |
Relationships Over the Years
Knightley’s romantic life first drew public attention when she dated actor Del Synnott from 2001 to 2003. They met on the set of Princess of Thieves. Del is an Irish actor. Their relationship lasted two years before ending quietly.
After her split from Synnott, Keira dated model and actor Jamie Dornan from 2003 to 2005. Dornan, from Northern Ireland, later became known for his role in Fifty Shades of Grey. Their interests in acting and film brought them together, but their schedules contributed to their breakup.
From 2005 until 2010, Keira was in a relationship with Rupert Friend. Rupert is an English actor, and they met while working on Pride & Prejudice. Their relationship lasted five years, but they parted ways in late 2010, citing work commitments as a factor.
| Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Del Synnott | Ex-boyfriend | 2001–2003 |
| Jamie Dornan | Ex-boyfriend | 2003–2005 |
| Rupert Friend | Ex-boyfriend | 2005–2010 |
Friends in Her Life
Keira Knightley values close friendships, many of which began through her work as an actress. One of her best-known friendships is with actress Sienna Miller. They met while filming The Edge of Love in 2008. Their bond grew through shared experiences on set and has lasted many years.
Keira is also friends with Carey Mulligan. The two met while working on Pride & Prejudice in 2005. Both actors have supported each other’s careers and attend events together. Their friendship remains steady despite work travel and family commitments.
Rosamund Pike, another Pride & Prejudice co-star, has also been described as a friend. The cast’s shared experiences made lasting connections. Keira’s friends have influenced both her professional and personal life, offering support through career ups and downs.
| Name | Known Since | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Sienna Miller | 2008 | Actress |
| Carey Mulligan | 2005 | Actress |
| Rosamund Pike | 2005 | Actress |
