After four years of dating, filming and promoting Twilight together with his beloved Bella, the world eagerly awaited news of the day when Rob Pattinson would propose to his girlfriend, FKA Twigs. And on September 26, 2019, the day did indeed come!

In a romantic gesture, the actor proposed to the 23-year-old artiste during their vacation in Italy, asking her to be his wife and to live happily ever after with him. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he told her, as reported by E! News. “I want to be your husband. I want to grow old with you. I want to be the father of your children. Will you marry me?”

The proposal came as a complete surprise to fans, who at first were unable to comprehend the nature of their beloved actor’s action. While many congratulated the couple, some fans were not happy about the timing of the proposal, feeling that it was too soon after the tragic death of Pattinson’s mother, Doria, in October 2018.

“The way Robert proposed to me was so romantic — it really was a fairy tale,” the English singer-songwriter FKA Twigs reveals in an interview with Elle UK. “We’d been talking about marriage for a while, so it wasn’t a total surprise — but it was such a beautiful moment. It’s one of the most memorable proposals I’ve ever been a part of.”

While many have been quick to judge and comment on Rob’s decision to propose so soon after his mother’s passing, Twigs understands that the grief-stricken actor needed time to process his emotions. “I think it was a really brave thing for him to do,” she added. “He obviously cared a great deal about what his family would think about him marrying again so soon after losing his mother. But he also really loved FKA and wanted to commit to her before he even considered what his family would say.”

One of the first people to publicly offer their congratulations to the newlywed couple was Robert’s younger brothers, Edward and Cassius — and the entire clan is eagerly looking forward to the wedding, which is set to take place in 2022.

New Beginnings

With the death of Doria, Rob became a single parent, whose children he promised to take care of, and he decided to shift his focus to his family. “I’ve always put my career first and I’ve always loved being an actor,” he said in an interview with Elle UK. “But since my mother died, it’s all been about my kids. I’ve learned so much from her about being a good parent and a good man. My kids are my world now.”

Along with his wife-to-be, the actor also announced the birth of their first child in the fall of 2019, a baby boy whom they named Louis. “We’re over the moon to be welcoming a baby into the world and are so grateful to everyone who’s been there for us, especially our families,” he said in a statement. “This was truly a team effort, and we can’t wait to meet our son and see his little face light up the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2022.”

Moving Forward

While many are happy for Rob and Twigs, there are still some who are not so sure that they’ve made the right decision. “I think it’s a really brave move to propose again so soon after losing his mother,” says Dr. Anna Puri, an expert in reproductive medicine and an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Southern California. “Most people would assume that he wouldn’t want to get married again so soon after losing his mother. But, from what we know about Robert, he’s always been a very independent person and he doesn’t seem to need anyone’s permission to do anything.”

“It’s important to note that most people who get married after the death of a spouse go through a fairly significant grieving process on their own,” she noted. “So, while it’s normal to be feeling the pain of losing a loved one, it’s also important to consider that you’re starting a new family and that you might need some help dealing with your emotions.”

Puri has known Rob for years and says that she was never fully convinced that he would ever settle down with a long-term partner. “I always saw him as this free-spirited person who was going to do what he wanted to do,” she says. “So, while it’s a happy ending for him now, I’m not sure it was necessarily what he was looking for. I think it would be really nice if he found someone who could help him be a better father and husband — if he found someone who could complete him.”

Rob and Twigs are certainly not lacking in love and support. The singer-songwriter and her brothers are set to walk the red carpet together as best man and maid of honor at the wedding. And, as for the newlyweds, they seem happy and more than a little grateful for all of the well-wishes they have received. “We are overwhelmed by all the love and support,” Twigs said in a joint statement with her brothers. “It means the world to us. This award is for our family, because we couldn’t do this without them. They are our heart and soul. And we are so blessed to have them in our lives. We love you all so much. This is for you, Mom.”