Madonna was reportedly “giddy” with excitement talking to soon-to-be daughter Chifundo “Mercy” James on the phone on Friday, after the appeal court in Malawi ruled that she could adopt the four year old girl.

Madonna’s initial request to adopt the little girl was turned down in April after the judge overseeing the case ruled that Madonna did not meet the country’s residency requirement - but the appeal court overturned the ruling yesterday, saying that Madonna’s involvement in the country through her charity Raising Malawi was equivalent to residency: “Madonna [is] in Malawi not by chance but by intention. She is looking after orphans whose welfare depends on her. She can therefore not be described as a sojourner.”

After the ruling, Madonna is said to have called Malawi almost immediately - even though it was the middle of the night in New York - to be able to talk to the little girl she first met three years ago.

A source close to the star told the Sun: “I’ve never seen her so emotional or so happy. She was giddy.

“[She told Mercy] ‘Today is your new birthday, my darling daughter, as it is the day you came to me.

“It is a new beginning for us all. The world is ours to change together now. I promise I will love, protect and guide you with my every breath.

“I can’t wait to welcome you to your new home, my beautiful child. You are part of us now - of me, Lola, Rocco and David. You are so loved.’”

Later in the day, the star released a statement saying: “I am extremely grateful for the Supreme Court’s ruling on my application to adopt Mercy James. I am ecstatic. My family and I look forward to sharing our lives with her.”

Her lawyer in Malawi Alan Chinula has said he is currently arranging a passport for the girl, whose mother died in childbirth. Madonna is expected to fly into the country next week to take interim custody of the child until an adoption order is finalised.