Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva have confirmed that they are having a child together, the second for both parents but their first child together.
Hollywood legend Richard Gere is set to become a father-of-two aged 69 after marrying Alejandra earlier this year.
There has been lots of speculation over the last few months that the couple were having a baby, but the news was only confirmed on Alejandra's Instagram over the weekend.
Alejandra posted a picture showing her with her husband Richard and the Dalai Lama who was giving the couple and their unborn child a blessing.
In the caption, she explained that the couple didn't want to announce their happy news until the Dalai Lama had been told.
Alejandra wrote: 'A very special moment just a few minutes ago... Getting blessings for our precious to come.. we couldn’t say it before telling HH Dalai Lama☺ #dalailama #richardgere #alejandragere #love.'
The blessing will be of real significance to Richard, who is a Tibetan Buddhist and a long time supporter of the Dalai Lama.
Richard is already father to 18-year-old Homer, from his previous marriage to Cary Lowell. Alejandra is also mum to five-year-old Albert, whose father is Govind Friedland.
The couple haven't given any details on whether they are expecting a little boy or girl or when the baby is due, but Alejandra looks visibly pregnant and must only have a matter of months left.
They haven't detailed how the baby was conceived either but many people are curious to find out if the couple used IVF.
The announcement has come as a shock for many and the picture has received over 5,000 likes.
One person wrote: '#namaste , it is the most incredible way to be blessed🙌🏻 good luck #love #joy #newbornblessings.'
Another said: 'Congratulations and many blessings 🙏🏻💕 I have always loved Richard Gere 🌹'.
A third added: 'Awwwwww congratulations to all 3 of you, Happy, Happy, Happy💝'.
Although there were lots of positive comments there were many that expressed opinions of outrage and said that it was irresponsible to welcome a child at the age of 69. Some argued that Richard was too old to be an active father.
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