LONDON — Madonna has reportedly escaped as the winner in a child residency battle with ex-husband Guy Ritchie.
According to the U.K.'s Sun newspaper, the "Material Girl" has been granted the right to a temporary residency shift of the couple's children from London to the U.S.
The ruling allows son Rocco, 8, and adopted Malawian son David Banda, 3, to join older sister, Lourdes, 12, whose father is Madonna ex Carlos Leon, in New York City. A source told the Sun that Ritchie is "gutted but resigned" over the ruling.
"Lourdes was always going to stay with her [mom]. But keeping Rocco and David close to him in London was the only thing Guy really wanted from the divorce," said the source. "He thought he had a real chance, especially as their school is here. He desperately loves those boys and is a devoted dad."
Madonna and Ritchie divorced in November after months of speculation about their marriage.
Despite the setback, Ritchie reportedly vowed to remain close to his children.
"I will make sure they are proud of their English roots," he reportedly assured a close pal.
Ritchie is currently busy filming "Sherlock Holmes" with Robert Downey Jr., while Madonna recently announced plans to extend her "Sticky & Sweet" concert tour.
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