Michelle Dockery becomes a mum at 44—joining the growing trend of later-life motherhood
The Downton Abbey star has welcomed her first child with husband Jasper Waller-Bridge at 44
Michelle Dockery has welcomed her first child, becoming a mum at 44 with her husband Jasper Waller-Bridge.
The Downton Abbey star is understood to have given birth recently, as first reported by Hello!, with the couple keeping the arrival of their baby private.
Michelle has not shared details publicly and has chosen to enjoy the moment away from the spotlight.
The news marks a joyful new chapter for the actress, who married producer Jasper Waller-Bridge in 2023.
A quietly joyful milestone
Michelle Dockery has long kept her personal life out of the public eye, and this milestone appears no different. Best known for her role as Lady Mary Crawley, she has never been one to share intimate moments online.
This is Michelle’s first child, making the news particularly meaningful for fans who have followed her career for more than a decade.
Michelle married Jasper Waller-Bridge, the brother of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, in a London ceremony in September 2023, surrounded by close friends and family from across film, television and theatre.
Life after Downton Abbey
Since Downton Abbey ended, Michelle has continued to build a varied and successful career, starring in projects including Godless, Anatomy of a Scandal and Downton Abbey: A New Era.
She has also spoken previously about being more selective with work and prioritising balance. Parenthood may now shape the pace and direction of her next professional chapter.
Becoming a mum in your 40s is increasingly common
Michelle’s experience reflects a broader shift in when women are starting families in the UK.
Official figures show that the average age of mothers in England and Wales reached 31 in 2024, the highest on record. In London, mothers are older still, with an average age of 32.5.
Birth rates among women under 30 have fallen sharply over the past decade, while fertility rates for women in their 30s have increased. Births to women aged 40 and over have remained stable year on year, underlining how established later motherhood has become.
First-time motherhood is also happening later. In 2024, the average age of women having their first baby was just under 30, but in London, first-time mums were already over 31 on average.
Why more women are waiting
There is no single reason behind the shift, but rising housing costs, career priorities, later partnerships and access to fertility support all play a role.
Fertility rates have dropped most sharply among women aged 25 to 29, while women in their early and mid-30s are now the age group most likely to give birth. For many, waiting brings greater emotional readiness, confidence and financial stability.
Michelle is far from alone
Michelle Dockery joins a growing list of high-profile women who have become first-time mums in their 40s.
Naomi Campbell welcomed her first child at 50, Hilary Swank became a mum to twins at 48, and Janet Jackson gave birth to her son at 50. Rachel Weisz also welcomed her first child in her late 40s, while stars such as Minnie Driver have spoken openly about navigating motherhood later than expected.
Stories like Michelle’s reflect a reality many women now recognise, that there is no single timeline for becoming a parent, and that starting a family in your 40s is increasingly part of modern motherhood.
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