Kate and Gerry McCann have shared a heartbreaking message on the 18th anniversary of their daughter Madeleine’s disappearance. Madeleine was only three when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. Despite years of searches across Europe, no confirmed sighting has ever been made.
The UK investigation, Operation Grange, is still active. The Home Office recently approved more funding, bringing the total cost past £13 million. Detectives say they remain committed to understanding what happened that night, and their thoughts continue to be with the McCann family.

Authorities in Germany and Portugal still view Christian Brückner as the main suspect, though no charges have been filed. He has denied any involvement and was recently released from prison, adding to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the case.
To honor the anniversary, the McCanns attended a small vigil in their village of Rothley. Police were present for the first time in eight years, and local residents gathered to offer prayers and support. The family’s update quickly received hundreds of messages from people still hoping for answers.

In their emotional post on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign page, Kate and Gerry wrote that the years seem to pass “even more quickly,” but their determination to “leave no stone unturned” remains strong. They also shared a photo of Madeleine and noted that she would be turning 22 this month.
The McCanns ended by thanking charities, police forces, and supporters who continue searching for missing children. “No matter how near or far she is, she is with us every day,” they wrote. “We miss her.”