Clooney Family Granted French Citizenship, Citing Privacy and 'Normal Life' for Children

Clooney Family Becomes French Citizens

George Clooney, the acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, along with his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and their 8-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, have officially been awarded French citizenship. The naturalization was formally announced last weekend in the Journal Officiel, France's official government gazette, confirming the family's new status.

Details of the Naturalization

The decree published in the Journal Officiel confirmed the naturalization of the entire family. Notably, Amal Clooney was naturalized under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. While it was not immediately clear if George Clooney, 64, would retain his American citizenship, French law often permits dual nationality. Amal Clooney, 47, was born in Lebanon and raised in the United Kingdom, while the twins were born in London. The French Interior Ministry indicated that the family 'followed a rigorous procedure' involving security checks and interviews, a process that can include individuals deemed to offer 'important services to France.'

A Move for Privacy and Family Life

The decision to seek French citizenship stems from the family's desire for increased privacy and a 'normal life' for their children. The Clooneys purchased a sprawling 18th-century estate, Domaine du Canadel, a former wine estate near Brignoles in Provence, France, in 2021. George Clooney has openly stated that this 'farm in France' has become their primary residence. In an interview, he expressed concerns about raising his children in the 'culture of Hollywood,' stating, 'I don't want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I don't want them being compared to somebody else's famous kids.' He praised France's strict privacy laws, particularly those protecting children from unauthorized photography, calling it 'number one for us.'

Integration into French Life

The family's integration into French life has been noted by local officials. Didier Brémond, the mayor of Brignoles, described the Clooneys as 'a very simple and very accessible family,' mentioning that George Clooney shops in town and has participated in local events, such as the opening of a cinema. The mayor viewed their decision to become French citizens as a testament to 'his love for our country.' George Clooney himself has spoken of his affection for French culture and language, despite admitting he is 'still bad at it after 400 days of courses.' He also shared that their French home 'is where we're happiest.'