New Delhi, Dec. 30 -- France has granted citizenship to George Clooney, his wife Amal and their two children, marking a significant step in the family's long-term move away from Hollywood and towards a quieter life in southern Europe.

The French government confirmed that the Clooneys were naturalised through a decree published last weekend in the Journal Officiel, the official record where citizenship decisions and other state acts are formally announced.

The notice listed the Kentucky-born actor, best known for the "Ocean's" heist films, alongside his British-Lebanese wife and their twins, Ella and Alexander.

In keeping with French administrative practice, the decree stated that Amal Clooney was naturalised under her maiden name, Amal...