As leading names in their respective fields, George and Amal Clooney have long understood that their careers may sometimes keep them apart. But despite their commitment to supporting each other throughout it all, even when it means they’re on opposite sides of the world, their far-flung undertakings mean rumours inevitably spread. And the one rumour the couple simply can’t shirk is that they’re living “separate lives” – fuelling further speculation that divorce is almost always on the table. Now, as they approach their 11th wedding anniversary in September, we’re told the Clooneys are determined to quash the speculation for good, and prove they’re as committed to one another as ever.

“It’s not always a bed of roses, but the notion that they’re divorcing has been completely dismissed,” says an insider close to the superstar couple, who famously wed in a star-studded, four-day extravaganza in Venice in 2014. “They’re both very clear this is a lifelong commitment, and they’re prepared and willing to work through any issues that come up. It’s annoying to be constantly shooting down rumours that they’re splitting up, but they try to keep it in perspective. The fact is, they have this image of being a perfect couple, so any time they’re caught having the slightest conflict, the rumour mill goes into overdrive. They try to laugh it off and not let it get to them, but of course it gets frustrating.”

Part of the reason that divorce rumours grew louder earlier this year was the fact that – having been primarily based in Europe over the past few years with their children, seven-year-old twins Ella and Alexander – the family were facing a geographical split as George, 63, temporarily relocated to New York. The actor and director has been in the Big Apple since January, preparing for his Broadway debut in the stage adaptation of his 2005 acclaimed drama Good Night, And Good Luck. 

As a leading human rights barrister, Amal, 47, is likewise pulled in different directions, with her Chambers based in London. Meanwhile, she recently announced she’s been appointed a visiting professor of practice in international law at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. Speaking about her new appointment on the school’s website, she said, “I am honoured to be back at Oxford, this time not as a student but as a professor.” As such, whispers have spread that the couple simply don’t have time to prioritise their relationship anymore. The fact that they seldom talk about their marriage has fuelled the gossip further.

Nevertheless, it seems we can all rest assured that, behind the scenes, things are strong – and it’s George who took the unusual step to allay our concerns last week, while promoting his new theatre show. When asked about the family set-up while he’s been treading the boards, he revealed that the whole family had followed him to New York and will stay there until the end of his run in June. 

“They’re in New York,” he told Access Hollywood when asked about his wife and kids. “We’ve been here the whole time. You know, the normal things that children do which is, apparently you have to educate them, which I was shocked by. They’re in school.”
He added, “My wife is dealing with me walking around doing lines in a play all day long, so I think she knows it better than me.”

Needless to say, navigating the dynamics of a partnership where both husband and wife are pulled in a million directions can be tricky – and it didn’t help that the Clooneys were pictured having a seemingly tense interaction over their Christmas break in St Tropez in December. As one onlooker put it, “Neither of them looked happy.” But, our source explains, even when they hit moments of tension or face the realities of long-distance as they honour their work commitments, they always stand united.  

As George has confirmed, the whole family are currently in New York – with Amal using it as a base, while also making brief trips across the pond for work. Then, after the play is finished in June, it’s believed the Clooneys will return to Europe, where they split their time between their villa in Lake Como, their wine estate in Brignoles, France, and their mansion in Berkshire, UK (they also have houses in LA and Mexico). With the twins completing this school year in the US, it’s unclear where the family will settle for the rest of the year, but most people expect to see them returning on a more permanent basis to France in September, when term time begins. It’s very possible that both George and Amal may be called away on occasion; but, they’ve demonstrated, they always make it work, whatever others might say. 

“Last year, they made a big effort to reconnect and put the focus back on their marriage,” says our insider. “They started doing date nights and taking romantic holidays, and they were able to totally reinvigorate the romantic side of things. And now, even when they’re thousands of miles apart for work, they’re sticking to those rules. In those instances, they’ll have a few dates over Zoom, just to have that quality time to catch up and talk about more than just the kids and their schedules.”
Despite being pictured looking frosty in St Tropez, the Clooneys have also put in several loved-up appearances over the past year. Last summer, they were spotted enjoying a series of date nights in Lake Como – including sharing a romantic kiss while dining together at the five-star hotel Villa d’Este. As our source explains, neither one of them is the kind of person to give up or throw in the towel if things get rocky. Instead, they approach their relationship like they approach every other aspect of their successful lives: with determination to be the very best of the best. And, as a result, it seems they’re pouring water on any fiery rumours that they’re heading for divorce, and are instead approaching their 11th anniversary in September more committed than ever. 

“They love each other and don’t want to risk things slipping away so they’re putting in a big effort to make sure they keep their marriage strong and stay connected” we’re told. “When George’s play is finished, they’re even planning to celebrate together with a romantic getaway – just the two of them.”