Vanessa Kirby has welcomed her first child with fiancé Paul Rabil in a joyous new chapter for the acclaimed British actress.
The Crown star, 37, who captivated audiences with her portrayal of Princess Margaret in the Netflix royal drama, and Paul, 39, a former professional lacrosse player turned sports executive, have become parents for the first time together.
News of the birth was confirmed over the weekend when Paul shared a series of tender family photos on Instagram, offering a rare glimpse into the couple’s private world as they navigate the early days of parenthood.
In the heartfelt post, the American sports star reflected on the profound transformation that comes with becoming a parent, writing: ‘I’m learning that becoming a parent slows you down and wakes you up at the same time.
‘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.’
With a playful nod to his lacrosse legacy, he added: ‘For your first cradle stick. It’ll hold many stories and blessings. Likely broken windows too. Balls are allowed in the house.’
Vanessa Kirby has welcomed her first child with fiancé Paul Rabil in a joyous new chapter for the acclaimed British actress
The actress showed off her baby bump while attending a launch event for The Fantastic Four: First Steps in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter on July 15
The couple have not yet disclosed the baby’s name or sex.
The accompanying photos capture intimate moments from their new family life. In one touching image, Vanessa lies across a bed on her tummy, her gaze fixed tenderly on their newborn resting before her.
Another shows Paul cradling the infant in a soft blue blanket, while a close-up reveals the baby’s tiny feet.
The final photo features two lacrosse sticks – one full-sized and one junior – symbolising the infant’s sporting heritage.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of congratulations from friends, fellow athletes and celebrities.
Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale was among those who liked the post, alongside several of Paul’s Premier Lacrosse League colleagues who welcomed the newest addition to their extended sporting family.
London-born Vanessa catapulted to international stardom with her nuanced portrayal of the troubled Princess Margaret in The Crown, a performance that earned her a BAFTA Television Award and an Emmy nomination.
Her acclaimed turn in the Netflix series opened doors to Hollywood’s biggest projects.
In a heartfelt post, the American sports star reflected on the profound transformation that comes with becoming a parent
She has also starred in blockbuster franchises including Mission: Impossible alongside Tom Cruise – most recently in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – and this year made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as the Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
In 2021, she received an Oscar nomination for her devastating performance as a grieving mother in Pieces of a Woman.
The Crown star revealed she was pregnant by showing off her baby bump at a Fantastic Four photo-call in June.
Two months later it was evident as she continued her press tour for film.
News of the birth comes hot on the heels of Vanessa’s portrayal of Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Her co-stars showed their excitement for her impending arrival at the film’s Sydney premiere when Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all placed a hand on her baby bump.
Her co-stars showed their excitement for her arrival at the film’s Sydney premiere when Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all placed a hand on her baby bump
Vanessa admitted that she got into the mindset of motherhood while filming, as her character also becomes a mother for the first time.
When asked how she felt about life imitating art by Entertainment Tonight, she said: ‘It was a daunting journey because [Storm] really is a working mother, a working superhero mother.
‘She was pregnant for half the movie, she gives birth, and I guess something that she really taught me that I didn’t fully know is that you can do everything. You can have it all.
‘She gave me a lot of confidence in that.’
Vanessa rose to fame for her portrayal of Princess Margaret in Netflix’s The Crown (pictured) and went onto win the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for the role
Last December it was reported she was engaged to her boyfriend Paul after two years together.
Vanessa and Paul’s relationship first became public in late 2022 when the pair were photographed holding hands in New York City.
The romance followed Vanessa’s split from long-term boyfriend Callum Turner, the Fantastic Beasts actor who is now engaged to pop superstar Dua Lipa.
But it wasn’t until November 2023 that they made their relationship Instagram official with a joint post that delighted fans.
In the announcement, Paul – who co-founded the Premier Lacrosse League and is widely regarded as one of lacrosse’s modern legends – wrote: ‘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.’
Their romance continued to blossom, and in December 2024, it was confirmed that Paul had proposed after two years of dating, with the couple now planning their wedding alongside raising their newborn.
Vanessa and Paul now split their time between London and the US.
Paul retired from professional lacrosse in 2021 after an illustrious 23-year playing career that saw him become one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.
He now serves as president of the Premier Lacrosse League, the organisation he co-founded to revolutionise professional lacrosse in North America.
He was married to former lacrosse player Kelly Berger, 40, for three years until 2017, and dated film star Eliza Gonzalez, 35, in 2021
