The esteemed Downton Abbey clan is welcoming a new addition to its ranks. Michelle Dockery, the beloved actress who portrays Lady Mary Crawley in the cherished series and its cinematic offshoots, has confirmed her joyful first pregnancy at the London premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 3rd. Flanked by her husband, Jasper Waller-Bridge, on the red carpet, Michelle gracefully displayed her burgeoning baby bump in a stunning blue Prada gown adorned with an intricate neckline and a flowing chiffon cape.
This blissful news arrives almost two years after Michelle, 43, and Jasper, 37, exchanged vows in a London church, amidst the company of cherished friends and family, including the groom’s elder sister, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Intriguingly, despite Michelle embodying the role of a mother in Downton Abbey, her parenting philosophy diverges markedly from her on-screen alter ego. She candidly remarked, "While I adore children, Lady Mary is far from a natural mother. That's simply not her essence—or rather, it reflects a bygone era's norms."
Elaborating further to Express in 2014, she explained, "Lady Mary, being an aristocrat, allocates no more than two hours a day to her child—a stark contrast to the warm, affectionate bond I envision with my own baby."
However, Michelle isn't the sole Downton Abbey star embarking on this family expansion journey. Joanne Froggatt, who brings lady's maid Anna Bates to life, also celebrated her second pregnancy, which was incorporated into Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the franchise's conclusion in its trilogy of films.
"This is all me," she affirmed in a Radio Times interview published on September 2nd, referring to her growing belly. "Julian Fellowes thoughtfully wove it into our narrative, as by then, it was quite evident, making it a more logical inclusion." Reflecting on her character and Brendan Doyle’s John Bates' tumultuous journey spanning 15 years, the 45-year-old added, "It served as a heartwarming conclusion for Anna and Bates, envisioning a promising future for them. The Bateses deserve their happy ending, which resonates with everyone's aspirations."
