Madonna and Guy Richie’s seven-year marriage is all but over, according to the latest tabloid reports.

Friends are predicting that the couple will shortly go their separate ways, after growing increasingly distant over recent months.

One ‘pal’ tells The Sun: “The marriage is hanging by a thread.

“No one doubts they adore their three kids – but the children seem to be the only reason they are living this strange loveless existence.”

Their problems have reportedly intensified in recent weeks, with Madonna allegedly feeling “badly let down” by Guy’s failure to support her during a number of public appearances.

The source continues: “There were rows after Guy didn’t turn up at Madonna’s Raising Malawi fundraiser at the UN HQ in New York last month. The event was incredibly important to her.

“Guy also wasn’t present at his wife’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dinner last week.”

The News Of The World reported over the weekend that Madonna plans to raise her children in New York after their separation, while Guy remains in London.