Madonna 'overjoyed' as adoption of twin girls from Malawi is finalised
The pop star has shared a picture of herself and her two new daughters, whose biological mother died a week after delivery.
Thursday 9 February 2017 11:28, UK
Madonna has completed the adoption of twin girls from Malawi, saying she is "overjoyed" to bring them into her family.
The pop star posted a photo on Instagram of herself walking along a rural path with the four-year-old girls, who are wearing identical blue and white dresses.
"I can officially confirm I have completed the process of adopting twin sisters from Malawi and am overjoyed that they are now part of our family," the 58-year-old wrote.
"I am deeply grateful to all those in Malawi who helped make this possible, and I ask the media please to respect our privacy during this transitional time."
Madonna was granted permission by Malawi's High Court this week to adopt the twin girls.
According to court documents cited by the AP news agency, the twins were delivered by caesarian and their mother died a week later following complications during the birth.
The children have five older siblings and their father is unable to provide for all his dependants, the report said.
"In determining her motives I questioned the petitioner at length about the impact of her decision, which could be construed as robbing Malawi of its most precious resource, its children," the judge, Fiona Mwale, wrote in explaining why she let the singer go ahead with the adoption.
The judge said she was satisfied Madonna "is motivated by her desire to offer a home, love, protection and guidance".
Madonna, who had previously , says the children will keep their birth names - reported to be Esther and Stella - as part of an effort to preserve their identity as Malawians.
A Malawian carer will travel with the children to the United States to ease their transition, according to the ruling.
Madonna previously adopted Malawian children David Banda and Mercy James in 2006 and 2009 respectively.
At the time the move stirred anger among some Malawians, amid accusations that her star power had allowed her to skirt laws that ban non-residents from adopting children.
Malawians have given mixed reactions to the news of the latest adoption.
The head of Malawi's Congress of Trade Unions, Denis Kalekeni, called the decision "laughable", saying adoption cannot be the solution when children are orphaned.
Others, however, could not fault Madonna, saying Malawi has many poor orphans in need of families.
The singer also has two other children, Lourdes and Rocco, from previous relationships.
A decade ago she established the non-profit group Raising Malawi to provide health and education programmes, particularly for girls.