It was discovered at an early age that Keira had severe difficulties in reading and writing. She was granted one at the age of six and performed in her first TV role as 'Little Girl' in Screen One: Royal Celebration (1993), aged seven. Brought up immersed in the acting profession from both sides - writing and performing - it is little wonder that the young Keira asked for her own agent at the age of three. Her father is English, while her Scottish-born mother is of Scottish and Welsh origin. An older brother, Caleb Knightley, was born in 1979. She is the daughter of actor Will Knightley and actress turned playwright Sharman Macdonald.
Keira Christina Knightley was born Main the South West Greater London suburb of Richmond.