Madeleine McCann's Family Marks 18 Years Since Disappearance

Eighteen years after Madeleine McCann vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal, her family has issued a heartfelt statement reaffirming their commitment to find her. Despite the years that have passed, they say their "determination to leave no stone unturned is unwavering."

Madeleine, who was three years old at the time, disappeared from Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007, sparking a sprawling and still-active police investigation that spans multiple countries. Her disappearance remains one of the most high-profile missing persons cases in the world.

A Family's Ongoing Vigil

In their statement, the McCann family said Madeleine is with them "every day," and that they continue to "celebrate her as the very beautiful and unique person she is." Now approaching what would be her 22nd birthday, her parents maintain hope even as they acknowledge there is "no significant news to share."

"No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us," the statement read.

The night Madeleine vanished, her parents were dining nearby while checking on her and her younger siblings periodically. Her disappearance was discovered around 10 PM. Despite extensive investigations by Portuguese, British, and German authorities, her whereabouts remain unknown.

Police and Legal Developments

The UK's Metropolitan Police investigation, named Operation Grange, has been ongoing since 2011 and recently received additional funding of £108,000 for the 2025–26 fiscal year, bringing the total cost to more than £13.2 million.

German national Christian Brueckner remains the prime suspect, though German prosecutors recently confirmed there is "no prospect" of charges related to Madeleine's case at this time.

Separately, two women—including a Polish national who falsely claimed to be Madeleine—have been accused of stalking the McCann family. Both deny the charges and are due in court in October.

Broader Reflections on Missing Children

In their message, the McCanns also highlighted International Missing Children's Day on May 25 and expressed solidarity with other families searching for lost children. They paid special attention to those affected by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The family also extended thanks to the charity Missing People and various law enforcement and nonprofit organizations working to find abducted or missing children under increasingly challenging circumstances.

"We are thinking especially of children displaced from their homes and families due to conflict," the McCanns added.

Concluding Thoughts

The McCann family's message is a powerful reminder of enduring hope in the face of unimaginable loss. Their words resonate with anyone who has faced uncertainty, grief, or injustice. As international interest in the case remains high, questions persist about whether answers—and closure—will ever be found.