Madeleine McCann’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, marked what would have been their daughter’s 21st birthday with a heartbreaking confession. Madeleine disappeared 17 years ago from the family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Despite years of searching, the McCanns remain in limbo. “The absence still aches,” they shared.

The search for Madeleine continues, with Operation Grange receiving £192,000 in new funding, bringing total costs to £13.2 million. Private investigator Julian Peribañez is also revisiting Praia da Luz for new leads. “The kind of person that knows what happened lurks in the underground of every city or town,” he stated. Meanwhile, Christian Brueckner, a convicted rapist and key suspect, remains uncharged and denies involvement.

On the Find Maddie Campaign page, supporters shared heartfelt messages, including, “Forever hoping and praying that Madeleine will be returned to her loving family.” The McCanns expressed gratitude for the continued support: “Thank you again for remembering Madeleine and all missing children.”

Their message ends with an unwavering promise: “Happy 21st birthday Madeleine. Still missing, still missed, still looking.”