Knightley, Friend call it splits

LONDON - Actress Keira Knightley has split from boyfriend actor Rupert Friend.

The couple, who met on the sets of 2005 movie “Pride & Prejudice”, reached a mutual decision to part ways just before Christmas, reports digitalspy.co.uk.

“Yes, they have broken up. That’s the way things go, unfortunately,” said Knightley’s father Will. “They were together for quite a long time and it is always hard breaking up. The only option is to get on with things. She’s focused on her work.”

One of Knightely’s friends revealed that constant media focus on the actress put their relationship under strain.

“Rupert hates the idea of being followed and photographed. Keira partially had to accept it because of her rising profile,” said the friend.

“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,” the friend added.