Notoriously private Adele married in secret and her split came out of the blue

Adele and Simon Konecki have separated after more than seven years together.

Here is a timeline of their relationship.

2012

Adele, who is notoriously private, reportedly started dating charity boss Konecki in 2011 and they were first pictured together on holiday in Florida in January 2012.

In June that year, a 24-year-old Adele announced she was expecting her first child, confirming the news on her blog.

She wrote: “I’m delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together.

“I wanted you to hear the news direct from me, obviously we’re over the moon and very excited but please respect our privacy at this precious time. Yours always, Adele xx.”

The couple’s son, Angelo was born on October 19 2012. Adele would later describe motherhood as “hard but  phenomenal”. She added: “It’s the greatest thing I ever did.”

2014

Adele took a break from performing following the enormous success of her 2011 album 21, and her Oscar win for the theme from James Bond film Skyfall.

The singer denied being a “recluse” and in December 2014 took the rare step of issuing a public statement on her private life.

She dismissed reports she had split from Konecki, writing on Twitter: “Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays & all the best for 2015! PS Simon & I are still very much together, don’t believe what you read x.”

2017

Adele and Konecki tied the knot in a secret ceremony in 2016 but thanks to her closely guarded private life, managed to keep the news under wraps.

However, she confirmed she had walked down the aisle while picking up the Grammy for album of the year in February 2017.

During an emotional acceptance speech, she said: “My husband, my son, you’re the only reason I do it.”

And she removed any doubt over her marital status a month later during a concert in Australia.

While discussing her worldwide hit Someone Like You, which is about a break-up, she said: “Obviously I can’t go through with those feelings because I’m married now. I’ve found my next person.”

2019

Adele announced she and Konecki had separated and promised to raise Angelo “together lovingly”.

Representatives for the star said: “Adele and her partner have separated. They are committed to raising their son together lovingly. As always they ask for privacy.”