Madonna and her husband Guy Richie are said to be about to renew their marriage vows in a Kabbalah ceremony next month.

The couple, whose apparent marriage difficulties have been widely reported, have asked family and friends to witness the event at their Ashcome estate in Wiltshire. Two rabbis are also said to be flying in from New York.

One insider told Marie Claire magazine: "They have a special Shabbat party in August, which they want to do once a year to declare their feelings for each other.

"It's a very important dinner for them-- they want everyone to know they are still in love."

The singer's brother, Christopher Ciccone, claimed in his book, Life with My Sister Madonna, that the shared faith is what has largely kept her marriage together.