Madonna with David: The hearing will take place after April 18

But just as officials in the African state were bringing the long running saga to a close, it emerged that the singer had applied to delay the final adoption hearing because of a prior engagement.

Madonna, 49, was expected to fly to the Malawian capital Lilongwe early next week, where Justice Andrew Nyirenda would deliver his final verdict in the case.

But after a glowing report from a welfare officer all but guaranteed approval, it appears the star decided she had more pressing matters to deal with in her native U.S.

In a statement the high court of Malawi confirmed the hearing will now take place after April 18, at the request of lawyers acting for Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie.

David, who is now two, has been living with the couple and their other children in their London home since they launched adoption proceedings in 2006.

Last October, Justice Nyirenda granted the Ritchies a temporary custody order for David.

Under Malawian law, they would have to be assessed by welfare officers for their suitability as adoptive parents after 18 to 24 months.

The report from the welfare officer reportedly praises the way David has bonded with the singer and her family.