Entertainment
George Clooney, his wife Amal and their twins granted French citizenship
Paris — Call them Monsieur and Madame Clooney.
France’s government says George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
The naturalizations of the Kentucky-born star and his family were announced last weekend in the Journal Officiel, where French government decrees are published.
The government notice indicated that human rights lawyer Amal Clooney was naturalized under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. It also noted that George Clooney’s middle name is Timothy.
Maja Smiejkowska / REUTERS
The couple purchased an estate in France in 2021. In an interview with Esquire in October, Clooney described their “farm in France” as their primary residence – a decision the 64-year-old actor and his 47-year-old wife made with their children in mind.
“I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood,” he told the magazine. “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.”
Growing up away from the spotlight, in France, “they’re not on their iPads, you know?” he said. “They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life.”
Representatives for George Clooney didn’t respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment Monday.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether Clooney retained his American citizenship. Amal Clooney was born in Lebanon and raised in the U.K. The were born in London.
In early December, George Clooney told French radio network RTL — in English, that “I love the French culture, your language, even if I’m still bad at it after 400 days of courses,” according to French news agency AFP.
Clooney owns an estate in Italy’s Lake Como region and he and Amal bought a historic manor in England, AFP reports, adding that they also own a New York apartment and a property in Kentucky.
But he told RTL his family’s French home “is where we’re happiest,” AFP noted.
Queen Camilla got a cultural fix on Tuesday during a busy day in Bath, exploring the city’s arts and literary scene with curiosity and charm.
At the Holburne Museum, the Queen wandered through the exhibits with evident fascination, taking in each piece as curator Rosemary Harden guided her through the collection.
Her visit included the Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print exhibition that brings a selection of screen-printed garments from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Camilla revealed a personal connection, “My sister Annabel Elliot had a wedding dress made by Rhodes,” she shared, nodding to the designer who also famously dressed the late Princess Diana.
The royal then made her way to Bath’s Theatre Royal, meeting staff and volunteers while checking out a new community studio.
She also unveiled a toy theatre, part of the theatre’s ongoing plans to create an engaging space for local families.
The Queen then rounded off her cultural tour with a stop at @PersephoneBooks, the independent publisher and bookshop founded in 1999, which specialises in reprinting forgotten gems mostly fiction and non-fiction by women writers.
There, she chatted with Francesca and Nicola Beauman, taking in the literary treasures that make the shop a Bath institution.
Entertainment
Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," dies at 95
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Sunday at the age of 95. Duvall starred in classics like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now.” Vladimir Duthiers looks back at his career.
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Streets are about to turn purple, green, and gold as communities celebrate Mardi Gras.
The celebration dates back centuries, preceding the Christian season of Lent.
Commonly known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, representing the start of Lent, 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
The tradition linked to European Christians serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods before the more solemn season starts.
Here are some surprising facts about Mardi Gras that you may not know.
It’s a legal holiday in Louisiana
Mardi Gras is officially celebrated across the United States. However, the government of Louisiana declares it an official holiday. Considering how deeply the festival is woven into the state’s culture, the government offices and schools remain closed.
Mardi Gras colors have meaning
The official colors (purple, green, and gold) are not chosen randomly. In 1872, the Krewe of Rex in New Orleans assigned meaning to them. Purple represents justice, green indicates faith while gold is the symbol of power.
Mask wearing is required by law
Legal bodies in New Orleans have mandated float riders to wear masks. The rule dates back to the 19th century and was designed to encourage anonymity and social equality during the festivities.
UNESCO Belgium recognises it formally
The Carnival of Binche in Binche holds so much significance culturally that it was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Performers known as Gilles throw oranges into crowds as part of the celebration.
Largest free party in the U.S.
Mardi Gras is also known as the largest free party in the United States, attracting over a million visitors in peak years.
From medieval Europe to modern-day America, the celebration continues to blend faith, culture, and community. Mardi Gras is set to conclude at midnight.
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