Well, it looks like the random reports just before Christmas were true – Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend have broken up after more than five years together. Looks like that British sourcing (Richard Kay) was right on, like I said. Also… is this why Keira seems to squirrelly lately? Probably. Or it could be something else entirely. Anyway, Keira’s dad confirmed the sad news of the breakup to media outlets:

MOVIE beauty KEIRA KNIGHTLEY has split from her actor love RUPERT FRIEND after five years. The Pirates of the Caribbean star, 25, was left heartbroken even though the decision to end the relationship was mutual.

Keira’s father Will Knightley said: “Yes, they have broken up. But that’s the way things go, unfortunately. The only option is to get on with things.”

Mr Knightley added at the family home in Richmond, South West London: “They were together for quite a long time and it is always hard breaking up. She’s focused on her work.”

Keira met Rupert, 29, in 2005 on a screen adaptation of classic story Pride and Prejudice.
She became the most bankable British actress in America with Oscar and BAFTA nominations, a modelling contract with Chanel and an estimated £30million fortune.

But the pressure of being constantly in the public eye finally took its toll on the couple. Cracks started to appear in mid-December. Rupert arrived without Keira at the London Coliseum gala production of The Nutcracker. He took his mother Caroline instead.

The couple split after a heart-to-heart before Christmas. They had seemed to have a fairytale relationship with a London home overlooking Hyde Park.

But a pal said: “Rupert hates the idea of being followed and photographed. Keira partially had to accept it because of her rising profile. It affected the harmony in the relationship. The pressure took its toll and both decided they should go their separate ways. They will remain life-long friends.”

Keira has theatre work and two movies planned.

[From The Sun]

Yeah, Rupert has been getting more and more work lately, and he’s becoming an in-demand actor in his own right. But I doubt competition for the public’s attention is the reason for the split – obviously, Keira doesn’t care about it. She’s surly about getting any attention whatsoever. Which makes it very strange that her dad was the one to talk to the press – was he selling her out (doubtful) or did she authorize him to speak on her behalf? Why? Why couldn’t Keira’s publicist just offer a brief confirmation of the split and be done with it? I get that Keira “hates” the press, but if she wants to be ignored, perhaps she could manage this stuff a bit better.

Photos courtesy of WENN.