Kate and Gerry McCann have issued a heartbreaking update on the 18th anniversary of their daughter Madeleine's disappearance.

Crime

Madeleine McCann’s Parents Share Heartbreaking Update On 18th Anniversary Of Disappearance

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10:41 05 May 2025

Updated: 20:40 05 May 2025


Kate and Gerry McCann have issued a heartbreaking update on the 18th anniversary of their daughter Madeleine‘s disappearance.

Madeleine was three years old when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on the evening of May 3, 2007, while her parents dined nearby.

Despite numerous investigations across Europe, no confirmed sighting of the British girl has ever been made.

Now, Madeleine’s parents have provided an emotional update on the anniversary of her disappearance.

Madeleine McCann
An investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance remains active. Credit: Alamy

The investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance, Operation Grange, remains active under the Metropolitan Police.

In April, the Home Office approved an additional £108,000 in funding for the operation for the 2025–26 fiscal year, bringing the total cost to over £13.2 million since its launch in 2011, reports the BBC.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, who is overseeing the British investigation into the disappearance, stated: “We continue to support Madeleine’s family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May 2007 in Praia da Luz.

“Our thoughts remain with the family.”

Authorities in Germany and Portugal continue to focus on Christian B., a convicted s** offender, as the primary suspect, although German prosecutors have acknowledged that charges in the case remain elusive.

Christian B. has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.

Kate and Gerry McCann.
The McCanns planned to attend a small vigil to commemorate the anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance. Credit: Alamy

To commemorate the anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance, the McCanns planned to attend a small vigil at 7 p.m. at the village war memorial in Rothley, Leicestershire.

For the first time in eight years, police officers were expected to be present at the event.

Reverend Simon Payne, the local vicar, acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating (per GB News): “Eighteen years is quite a milestone. People still want to come and remember Madeleine and pray for her family.”

The update from the McCanns quickly garnered hundreds of supportive responses from members of the public.

One person wrote: “I hope this family feels nothing but love and support from all of those that still have hope Madeleine will come home,” while another added: “I hope you find out what happened to your daughter in your lifetime.”

The heartfelt tribute was posted on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page just hours before May 3 – a date synonymous with enduring grief and unanswered questions for the family.

Madeleine McCann
Madeleine McCann’s parents have posted an emotional update on the 18th anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance. Credit: Alamy

Marking the poignant milestone, the McCanns wrote: “The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to ‘leave no stone unturned’ is unwavering. We will do our utmost to achieve this.”

The post was accompanied by a photo of Madeleine and a touching quote about her ongoing presence in their lives.

The message highlighted that May is also Madeleine’s birthday month – she would be turning 22 this year.

“No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day,” they said.

“We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her.”

Elsewhere in their statement, the McCanns expressed gratitude to those who continue to assist in the global search for missing children.

“We’re very grateful to the charity ‘Missing People’ for their ongoing, invaluable work, and to all organizations, charities, and police forces who remain committed,” they added.

They also took a moment to remember ‘all missing children and their families, both here in the U.K. and abroad.’

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