Sick Keira Knightley misses directorial debut of her lover

English actress Keira Knightley could not attend the premiere of her lover's directorial debut in London after falling ill.

Knightley stars alongside Colin Firth in short film Steve, which is written and directed by her partner Rupert Friend.

But The Young Victoria star Friend had to walk the red carpet alone in Knightley's absence, reports the Daily Star.

Friend, who starred opposite Knightley in 2005's Pride and Prejudice, told reporters at the event his girlfriend was too ill to attend, admitting she has been feeling 'under the weather'.