GGeorge Clooneythe wife Amal and their twin children Alexander and Ella have obtained French citizenship. The naturalization decree was published on Saturday 27 December on Journal Officiel lois et décretsthe French equivalent of the Official Journal. And with this formal act now George Clooney’s entire family gets the new status. A passage that reflects a decision that has already been made for some time: to make France the center of one’s daily life and raising children in a context perceived as more reserved and protected.
The decree: French citizenship for George Clooney and family
The provision concerns George Clooney64 years old, his wife Amal47, and the eight-year-old twins Alexander and Ella. «The following foreigners», we read on Journal Officiel«are naturalized as French citizens, reinstated in French citizenship and benefit from the collective effect associated with the acquisition of French citizenship by their parents».
And followed by the names of dozens of people including «Alamuddin Amalborn on 02/03/1978 in Beirut (Lebanon), Clooney Alexanderborn on 06/06/2017 in London Westminster (Great Britain), Clooney Ellaborn on 06/06/2017 in London Westminster (Great Britain), Clooney George Timothyborn on 05/06/1961 in Lexington (Kentucky, United States)”.
For the Clooneys, country life and a change of perspective
The Clooneys are established for some time in the south of Francewhere they purchased an agricultural property and set up a life far from the rhythms and dynamics of the star system American. In ainterview with Esquire published in October, George Clooney had told the meaning of returning to the landin stark contrast to his youthful desires. “Now we live on a farm in France,” he explained. Emphasizing that, having been born in Kentucky, «I spent a good part of my childhood on a farm». However, he clarified, “as a child I completely hated that idea.” Today, however, the perspective has changed. Especially because of the children. «Now, for them, it’s different: they don’t stay on iPads. They dine with the adults and have to take the dishes away. They have a much better life.”
George Clooney and wife Amal Alamuddin (Photo by Noel Celis – Pool/Getty Images)
Fears related to Hollywood
At the basis of the choice to leave Los Angeles, the actor explained, there was also a declared fear of the environment for Alexander and Ella to grow up in. «I was worried about the idea of raising our children in Los Angeles, in the culture of Hollywood», admitted George Clooney. A concern relating above all to opportunities and the weight of fame: “I had the feeling that they would never have a fair chance in life.” Speaking of France, Clooney had instead underlined a profoundly different attitude towards fame: «In France, after all, they don’t care about celebrity».
Privacy and normality as priorities
The topic of children’s privacy also returned in a recent radio interview with the French broadcaster RTL. “They don’t photograph children here,” Clooney said. «There are no paparazzi hiding in front of school gates. For us this is the most important thing.” A concept also reiterated in a February interview with the New York Timeswhen the actor spoke about the path that brought him back to a rural life.
“Growing up in Kentucky, all I wanted was to get away from the farm, get away from that life,” he said. Today, however, «I find myself living that life again. I drive a tractor and all these things,” explaining that, for his family, “it is the best chance for have a normal life».