Keira Knightley's Dad comments on her split from longtime beau

They seemed like the perfect match, but after five years of dating, Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend announced their split earlier this week.

Keira's dad confirmed the news to press, stating,"Yes, they have broken up. But that's the way things go, unfortunately. The only option is to get on with  things."

William Knightley also insisted that it was quite difficult for both parties to reach their conclusion.

"It wasn't a decision that either of them took lightly. I know they gave it a great deal of thought. I don't think there was any one thing that led to their break-up - it was a whole raft of things, I think."

He added, "It's very unfortunate, but Keira is coping well and is focusing on a new West End play that she is opening. She is getting on with things. I know that she and Rupert will remain great friends."

Rumors of trouble between the two began in late December when a source close to the actors said that Friend was upset over his girlfriend not attending a performance of "The Nutcracker" with him.

The insider told the Daily Mail, "We all wondered where Keira was, because it was a magical show. But Rupert offered no explanation."

Opting to take his mother Caroline instead, the source added, "Some are saying it could be all over between them."

Knightley, 25, and Friend, 29, met in 2005 on the set of Pride and Prejudice. Up until recently they had shared a central London apartment together.

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