David Banda, the Malawian boy that pop diva Madonna is hoping to adopt has arrived in the UK according to reports this morning. He arrived on arrived jet from South Africa with one of Madonna’s bodyguards and a nanny. There two others on the plane, one of which is believed to be Madonna’s personal assistant.

Madonna and her film maker husband have been granted an 18-month temporary custody of the 13 month year old, whose progress who would monitored by Malawian embassies in the UK and US.

Madonna’s publicist, Liz Rosenberg, released a statement on Monday which said: "Madonna and her husband, film-maker Guy Ritchie, have been granted an interim adoption of baby David by the courts in Malawi.

"He was issued a passport and a visa was granted which allows him to travel outside of Malawi. This interim adoption grants David's new parents temporary custody for 18 months, during which time they will be evaluated by the courts of Malawi per the tribal customs of the country. It is expected that the family will be reunited within the next few days."

Human rights groups had earlier filed papers in a Malawian court asking the judge to review the adoption case, believing that the star, who left the country on Friday after a week long visit, saying the star was being given preferential treatment because of her celebrity status. They also believe that the rules are being bent because Madonna pledged to donate three million dollars to help the children of Malawi.