Madonna will introduce her adopted daughter to birth family

The singer was granted the right to adopt the four-year-old Malawian girl last June, after bitter legal wrangling. Madonna?s bid to give Mercy a new home was initially turned down as judges ruled she did not meet the country?s strict regulations as she was not a citizen of Malawi. The decision came following Madonna?s 2006 adoption of David Banda from the country, which was heavily criticised as it was claimed she had bypassed the usual regulations due to her fame.

After eventually being given custody of Mercy, Madonna said she was keen for both children to learn about their roots. She vowed to bring them back to Malawi so they could meet their relatives and understand their heritage, and it has now been revealed a trip will be taking place next week.

"She promised to take them back to their homeland. She sees it as vital they understand their roots," a source explained. "Mercy?s meeting with her family will be particularly emotional as it?s the first time she?s see them since last summer."

The 51-year-old has apparently arranged a special lunch where both toddlers will get to know their birth families. "They will proudly show off their dance moves and meet their families", a source explained.

During the visit, Madonna will also set down the first bricks at the new girls? academy she is building in the country as part of her Raising Malawi charity. The organisation aims to improve the lives of orphans in the country.

sections: Celebrities