The Crown star Vanessa Kirby welcomes first child as fiancé shares adorable post

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 20/10/2025

- 15:44

The actress earned acclaim portraying Princess Margaret in Netflix's The Crown

British actress Vanessa Kirby has become a mother for the first time, welcoming a baby with her fiancé Paul Rabil.

The 37-year-old performer, who earned acclaim portraying Princess Margaret in Netflix's royal drama The Crown, and the 39-year-old former professional lacrosse player confirmed their baby's arrival through social media at the weekend.


Mr Rabil posted several personal photographs on Instagram, providing followers with an intimate look at their early experiences as new parents.

The images included tender moments of Ms Kirby gazing at their newborn whilst lying on a bed, Mr Rabil holding the infant wrapped in a pale blue blanket, and a close-up of the baby's feet.

The couple have chosen not to disclose their child's name or gender at this time.

In his Instagram announcement, Mr Rabil shared his reflections on the transformative experience of fatherhood.

"I'm learning that becoming a parent slows you down and wakes you up at the same time," the sports executive wrote.

He expressed gratitude for his family's wellbeing, adding: "I'm really grateful for everyone's health, that I get to wake up every day to mum's enormous love, and that we get to have you in our lives now."

The former athlete incorporated a lighthearted reference to his sporting background, writing: "For your first cradle stick. It'll hold many stories and blessings. Likely broken windows too. Balls are allowed in the house."

One photograph showed two lacrosse sticks side by side - one adult-sized and one miniature - representing the baby's sporting inheritance.

Ms Kirby's pregnancy became public knowledge when she displayed her baby bump at a Fantastic Four promotional event in June.

The London-born actress received widespread recognition for her nuanced performance as Princess Margaret, which secured her a BAFTA Television Award and Emmy nomination.

Her success in the Netflix series led to major Hollywood opportunities, including appearances in the Mission: Impossible franchise opposite Tom Cruise and her recent casting as the Invisible Woman in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

In 2021, she earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful portrayal of a bereaved mother in Pieces of a Woman.

During the Sydney premiere of The Fantastic Four, her co-stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach demonstrated their enthusiasm by placing their hands on her bump.

The actress revealed her connection to motherhood whilst filming The Fantastic Four, telling Entertainment Tonight that playing a working superhero mother gave her confidence that "you can do everything."

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby has welcomed her first child

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GETTY

The couple's romance became public in late 2022 when they were spotted together in New York City.

The relationship followed Ms Kirby's separation from actor Callum Turner, who has since become engaged to singer Dua Lipa.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby's fiancé Paul Rabil shared the happy news on social media

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GETTY

The couple made their relationship official on Instagram in November 2023, with Mr Rabil posting: "From the very minute we first met in Des Moines, around the world and back, life is far better, more purposeful and more beautiful with you."

Reports of their engagement emerged in December 2024 after two years of dating.

Mr Rabil, who retired from professional lacrosse in 2021 following a 23-year career, currently serves as president of the Premier Lacrosse League, which he helped establish.