Kate and Gerry McCann have shared a heartbreaking message marking 18 years since their daughter Madeleine disappeared.
Madeleine was just three years old when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007.
Her parents were dining nearby when she went missing, sparking one of the world’s most high-profile missing person cases.
Despite years of investigations across Europe, there have been no confirmed sightings of Madeleine since that night.
On the anniversary, her parents issued an emotional confession reflecting their ongoing grief and determination.
Latest Developments in the Madeleine McCann Investigation
The Metropolitan Police investigation, known as Operation Grange, remains active in the UK.
In April, the UK’s Home Office approved an additional £108,000 ($140,000 USD) in funding for the 2025–26 financial year.
This brings the total cost of the investigation to more than £13.2 million ($18 million) since it began in 2011, according to the BBC.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell reaffirmed the police commitment to the case.
“We continue to support Madeleine’s family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May 2007 in Praia da Luz,” he said.
“Our thoughts remain with the family.”
German and Portuguese authorities continue to focus on Christian Brückner as the main suspect.
Brückner is a convicted s** offender but has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
German prosecutors have acknowledged that formal charges remain elusive, and he was recently released from prison, reports The Guardian.
How the Family Marked the Anniversary
To mark the anniversary, the McCanns attended a quiet vigil in Rothley, Leicestershire.
The gathering took place at the village war memorial at 7p.m.
For the first time in eight years, police officers were expected to attend the event.
Local vicar Reverend Simon Payne spoke about the significance of the milestone.
“Eighteen years is quite a milestone. People still want to come and remember Madeleine and pray for her family,” he said, per GB News.
Messages of support quickly flooded social media following the update.
One supporter wrote: “I hope this family feels nothing but love and support from all of those that still have hope Madeleine will come home.”
Another added: “I hope you find out what happened to your daughter in your lifetime.”
The Heartbreaking Confession from Kate and Gerry McCann
The McCanns shared their message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page.
They 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 included a photograph of Madeleine and a deeply personal reflection on her place in their lives.
The couple noted that May is also Madeleine’s birthday month.
She would have been 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.”
The statement also thanked those who continue helping families of missing children worldwide.
“We’re very grateful to the charity Missing People for their ongoing, invaluable work,” they wrote.
They ended by remembering “all missing children and their families, both here in the UK and abroad.”
