Keira Knightley to play Princess Di's ancestor

London, June 13 : Keira Knightley has signed on to play an ancestor of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

The 23-year-old is on location at Chatsworth House to make 'The Duchess,' which tells the story of Georgiana - a member of the Spencer family who married into the famous aristocratic Devonshire family in the 18th century.

The Oscar-nominated star of 'Atonement' and 'Pride And Prejudice,' plays the controversial Duchess in the costume drama, directed by Saul Dibb, reports the Telegraph.

She stars opposite Ralph Fiennes, who plays the mismatched husband, The Duke of Devonshire. Georgiana was a socialite at the centre of a circle of leading political and literary figures, she led a very colourful life and had an affair with Charles Grey who later became prime minister.

She passed away in 1806 deeply in debt as a result of her love of gambling, despite the wealth of her family.

The film is based on the best-selling book by Amanda Foreman called 'Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.'

ANI