Madonna has confirmed that she's adopted twin girls from Malawi.
She shared an adorable snap of herself walking hand in hand with the pair to her Instagram account, writing alongside: '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.'
'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. 🙏🏻 Thank you also to my friends, family and my very large team for all your support and Love!'
The children, reportedly named Esther and Stella, join Madonna's biological children, Lourdes, 20, and Rocco, 16, and her adoptive children David, 12, and Mercy, 11, as the newest members of the singer's brood.
Earlier this week, Mlenga Mvula, a spokesman for Malawi's judiciary, confirmed that a hearing had taken place in Lilongwe High Court to grant Madonna permission to adopt the girls.
'Today the High Court made a ruling that she should go ahead and adopt the two children. In fact, at the time we were granting her the permission she was in the courtroom with her lawyers,' he said, adding that the star was smiling as the ruling was made.
At the time, Mlenga could not comment on specific details of the children being considered for the adoption, as he said it was against the law to divulge this type of information at the present stage.
Madonna will be under observation by the court for a year before the adoption process is finalised, and a home study must be submitted to authorities.
The news comes just a few weeks after Madonna vehemently denied reports that she was looking to adopt again.
Rumours were sparked in January after a government spokesperson told press that she 'filed an application expressing interest' to adopt two children, but the Like a Virgin hitmaker was quick to hit back at the speculation.
The 58 year old, who founded the children's charity Raising Malawi in 2006, the same year that she adopted her son David, said that the visit she paid to the country during this time was purely charity related.
'The rumours of an adoption process are untrue,' she said in a statement.
'I am in Malawi to check on the children's hospital in Blantyre and my other work with Raising Malawi and then heading home.'
