Kate and Gerry McCann have issued a heartfelt statement on the 19th anniversary of their daughter Madeleine's disappearance, vowing they will 'never give up' the search for justice.
In a message posted on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, the couple expressed their enduring hope and gratitude for continued support. '19 years. The search goes on.. to find our Madeleine, to achieve some justice, to make the world that bit safer,' the statement read.
Madeleine McCann vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, at the age of three. She would now be 22. Despite extensive investigations by British and European authorities, no trace of her has been found, and no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance.
The McCanns thanked friends, family, supporters, and police for their 'continued determination and effort.' The message concluded: 'For Madeleine, who we love and miss every day, we will never give up.' Hundreds of well-wishers responded with messages of hope and support.
Ongoing Investigation
Prime suspect Christian Brueckner, a convicted rapist, was released from prison in Germany last September after serving a sentence for an unrelated rape. He has not been charged in the Madeleine case. In March, additional funding of £86,000 was granted for Operation Grange for 2026/27, bringing the total cost to approximately £13.3 million since 2011. The team currently comprises three police officers and one staff member working part-time.
In 2024, Detective Constable Mark Draycott testified at Brueckner's trial, stating he received a call from Helge Busching naming Brueckner as a suspect. German prosecutors have indicated there is 'no prospect of an indictment' without stronger evidence.
