Ella and Alexander Clooney: Why the Twins Are Growing Up Far From Hollywood

Ella and Alexander Clooney: Why the Twins Are Growing Up Far From Hollywood

They are probably the most famous eight-year-olds you’ve never actually seen. Honestly, in an era where celebrity kids are often "content" before they can even crawl, George and Amal Clooney have pulled off something of a magic trick with Ella and Alexander Clooney. They’ve essentially vanished.

Not literally, of course. But if you’re looking for them on a red carpet or a curated Instagram grid, you’re out of luck.

The big 2026 move: New citizens of France

Life changed fast for the family recently. Just this past December, news broke that George, Amal, and the twins officially became French citizens. It wasn't just a paperwork thing or a tax play. It was a lifestyle pivot. They’ve traded the manic energy of Los Angeles for a massive 425-acre estate called Domaine du Canadel in Brignoles.

George has been pretty blunt about why. He told Esquire late last year that he didn't want his kids being compared to "somebody else's famous kids." He’s worried about the Hollywood "fair shake." Basically, he wants them to be able to fail, succeed, or just be weird without a long lens poking through the hedges.

In France, the laws are different. Paparazzi can't just stake out a school gate. It’s illegal. That protection is likely why the twins are reportedly thriving in a way that sounds suspiciously like a 1950s sitcom.

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What is daily life actually like for Ella and Alexander?

You might imagine a staff of fifty and gold-plated iPads. The reality? It’s a bit more "chore-heavy" than you'd think. George has joked that he’s turned into his own father.

  • No screens at the table: The twins aren't allowed to scroll during dinner. They sit with the adults and—get this—they have to carry their own plates to the kitchen.
  • The "Handyman" curriculum: Alexander, specifically, has been tasked with watching George fix things. Whether it's a leaky coffee machine or the pool cover, the goal is self-sufficiency.
  • Language dominance: Here is the kicker—the kids are fluent in Italian and French. George, meanwhile, admitted at the 2026 Golden Globes that he’s still struggling with his Duolingo streak. He’s joked that the kids speak French to each other just to talk trash about him right to his face.

Why the Clooneys are so "intense" about privacy

It isn't just about being "A-list" and wanting peace. There’s a much darker reason why we don't see photos of Ella and Alexander Clooney.

Amal Clooney isn't just a "celebrity wife." She is a high-level human rights lawyer who takes on some of the most dangerous people on the planet. We’re talking about ISIS, warlords, and corrupt regimes. Because of her work, the family faces very real, non-Hollywood security threats.

George actually wrote an open letter to the Daily Mail and other outlets a while back. He wasn't asking for "respect"; he was explaining that publishing his children’s faces puts them in "real-world jeopardy." Their home in England is rumored to have a literal bunker. When they travel, it's under a level of security that most politicians would envy.

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The Taylor Swift and "Wicked" phase

Despite the high-stakes security and the French farmhouse life, they are still kids.

They apparently have no idea who their dad's famous friends are. George shared a story about Robert De Niro coming over, and the twins just kind of shrugged him off. They don't care about The Godfather.

What do they care about? Taylor Swift. Like every other child on Earth in 2026, they are obsessed. They’re also reportedly huge fans of Wicked and were recently buzzing about the second part of the film adaptation. It’s those little details—the "normal" kid stuff—that makes the Clooneys' aggressive privacy campaign feel worth it.

Is Hollywood gone for good?

Not exactly. While they sold their iconic Los Angeles estate in Studio City, George recently clarified that they still keep a large apartment in LA. They also spent a good chunk of 2025 in New York while George was doing a play on Broadway.

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But "home" has fundamentally shifted.

The move to France seems to be the final nail in the coffin for the idea of the twins being "public figures." By the time they are teenagers, they’ll likely be more European than American. They’ll have the accent, the citizenship, and—if George has his way—the ability to fix a fan belt with a pair of stockings.

Actionable Insights for Parents and Fans:

  • Digital Boundaries: You don't need a French estate to implement the "no iPads at dinner" rule. The Clooneys credit this single move for their kids' social skills.
  • Privacy Advocacy: If you’re concerned about your children’s digital footprint, look into "sharenting" laws. France is a leader in this, and many of their protections are being discussed globally.
  • Skill-Based Learning: Take a page from George’s "handyman" book. Involving kids in household repairs builds confidence and problem-solving skills that screens can't replicate.

The story of Ella and Alexander Clooney isn't about luxury; it’s about a very deliberate, very expensive effort to give two kids a boring, normal, plate-carrying childhood. And in 2026, that’s the ultimate luxury.