Keira Knightley steps out for a stroll with husband James Righton after submitting documents to drop her famous surname eight years after they married

Keira Knightley stepped out with her husband James Righton for the first time since it was revealed she is dropping her famous surname.

The actress, 36, informed authorities that she's taking the name of her husband, 37, eight years after they married in Mazan, France.

Keira cut a casual figure as she went for a morning stroll with her musician partner in North London on Monday. 

The Pirates of the Caribbean star donned a dark grey T-shirt along with a pair of black high-waisted jeans.

The actress also sported a pair of black boots and a matching jacket while she also carried a cream bag.

Letting her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders, Keira completed her look for the day with a gold necklace.    

James also opted for a laid back look, sporting a black jumper and matching jeans while his hair was styled into a bun. 

The couple began dating in February 2011 and are parents to daughters Edie, six, and Delilah, 20 months. 

It comes after Keira submitted documents to Companies House registering the change in her surname late last month.  

Keira said six years ago she was considering the move but was too 'scared' to go through with it.

'I went to do the passport thing,' she explained, 'I was thinking, 'Shall I do it? It will be helpful.' 

'But you actually have to see it written down, and I found I couldn't do it. I couldn't go there.' 

The actress recently pulled out of a starring role in upcoming period drama The Essex Serpent alongside Tom Hiddleston on AppleTV+. 

A representative for the star confirmed that she decided to pull out of the project over childcare concerns for her two daughters.

The spokesperson told the Daily Mail at the time: 'There wasn't a comfortable scenario for Keira that could be put in place for an extended period of childcare required for the four-and-a-half-month production.'

The star has since been replaced by actress Claire Danes.