Keira Knightley is back in the spotlight following the release of the second season of Netflix’s spy thriller Black Doves, alongside her return to London’s West End in The Lives of Others. The actress, who stars alongside Ben Whishaw in the popular Netflix series, continues to balance major acting projects with family life. Away from the cameras, her marriage to musician James Righton remains an important part of her personal story.
Keira Knightley is married to James Righton, an English musician, songwriter and composer best known for his work with the indie rock band Klaxons. The couple married in France in 2013 and have two daughters together. Despite their successful careers, they have generally kept their relationship and children away from excessive public attention.
Who Is Keira Knightley’s Husband, James Righton?
James Righton is a British musician and composer who became widely recognized as the keyboardist and vocalist of Klaxons. The band emerged during the British indie music scene of the mid-2000s and gained critical acclaim with its debut album, Myths of the Near Future, which won the Mercury Prize in 2007.
Righton was born in Leamington Spa, England, and developed an interest in music during his school years. His father encouraged him to perform, helping establish the foundation for his musical career.
Following Klaxons’ breakup in 2014, Righton pursued independent projects, including music released under the name Shock Machine. He later released solo albums such as The Performer in 2020 and Jim, I’m Still Here in 2022.
He has also expanded into composing music for film and television. Although Knightley is the more internationally recognizable celebrity, Righton has built an established career within the British music industry.
How Did Keira Knightley and James Righton Meet?
Keira Knightley and James Righton first met in 2011 through their mutual friend Tim Phillips at a social gathering. Knightley later recalled that their early meetings involved plenty of drinking and laughter, making the beginning of their relationship particularly memorable.
Their romance developed quickly, and the couple announced their engagement in May 2012. They married on May 4, 2013, in Mazan, southern France, during an intimate ceremony attended by approximately 11 guests.
Knightley wore a short Chanel dress with a matching jacket and floral headpiece rather than a traditional elaborate wedding gown. The small celebration reflected the couple’s preference for keeping important personal occasions relatively private.
More than 13 years later, their marriage continues. They have occasionally appeared together at fashion events and sporting occasions, including a rare joint appearance at Wimbledon in July 2026.
Keira Knightley and James Righton’s Children and Family Life
Keira Knightley and James Righton have two daughters. Their eldest daughter, Edie Righton, was born in May 2015, while their younger daughter, Delilah Righton, arrived in September 2019.
The family lives in the Canonbury area of Islington, London, where Knightley and Righton have established a relatively private home life.
Knightley has previously discussed how becoming a mother changed her professional priorities. She became more selective about accepting acting roles, particularly projects requiring long periods away from her children.
The actress has also spoken about the financial and practical challenges of childcare, acknowledging that her professional opportunities have given her advantages unavailable to many working parents.
While Knightley continues her successful acting career and Righton develops music projects, the couple have maintained a relationship largely separate from Hollywood publicity. Their marriage reflects more than a decade of shared experiences, parenthood and careers in two different creative industries.