To commemorate the heartbreaking 19th anniversary of their daughter’s abduction, Madeleine McCann’s parents participated in a prayer vigil on Sunday and pledged, “The search goes on to find her, to achieve some justice, to make the world that bit safer.”
Supporters and well-wishers welcomed Kate and Gerry, along with their twins, to the casual outdoor event in their hometown of Rothley, Leicestershire.
Sean and Amelie, who is now 21 years old, have never been seen together in public.
During prayers for Maddie, who disappeared in May 2007 while on a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal, the pair appeared distressed at times.
While her parents were having dinner with friends at a local tapas restaurant, she was left to sleep alone with her younger twin brothers.
Gerry, 57, a renowned cardiac physician, and Kate, 58, a former general practitioner who is now a medical professional, hold onto a sliver of hope that their daughter, who would now be 22 or almost 23, might still be alive.
Neither Kate nor Gerry, who were both dressed in dark casual slacks, puffer jackets and trainers, spoke to the fifty people present.
However, at the military memorial at Cross Green, university student Amelie and gifted swimmer Sean, who aspires to compete for Great Britain in the 2028 Olympics, laid lights in honour of their sister.
Supporters and well-wishers greeted Kate and Gerry McCann (both pictured) warmly at the unofficial outdoor event in their hometown of Rothley, Leicestershire.
Sean and Amelie, who is currently 21 years old, are the couple’s first public photos together (shown).
In May 2007, while on a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal, Maddie (pictured) disappeared.
The Beacon, a poem written by Simon Armitage for the McCanns by the now Poet Laureate, was read by Kate’s uncle Brian Kennedy, a retired head teacher.
“We gather today to pray for Madeleine and other missing children, to encourage one another and especially Gerry and Kate to keep up our hope and pray for a renewal of strength even after nineteen years,” said Rothley Parish Church vicar Rev. Rob Gladstone.
Michelle Canilleri, a villager, joined supporters in reciting catchphrases like “never give up,” “don’t forget about me,” and “still missing, still missed.”
“I really feel for the family,” she remarked afterwards. After all these years, they still lack serenity and closure.
“There is a lot of support for them here,” she continued.
Following the short 20-minute ceremony, Kate was shown grinning while giving locals hugs and striking up conversations.
Later, the four-person family—all dressed in matching jackets—strolled to their adjacent residence.
Kate and Gerry wrote, “Nineteen years,” in a recent social media post. In order to find our Madeleine, bring about some justice, and make the world a little safer, the search continues.
“We remain very grateful for all our support, from friends and family, people we know and those we don’t, and from the police and authorities for their continued determination and effort,” they said on the official Find Madeleine Facebook page. I’m grateful.
We will never give up for Madeleine, whom we adore and miss every day. Gerry, Kate, and the family.
Amelie (shown) attended the memorial service at Rothley, the McCanns’ hometown.
Later, the four-person family, all dressed in matching jackets, strolled to their adjacent residence.
The vigil takes place six months after a Polish woman who harassed the McCanns was sentenced to prison.
In November of last year, Julia Wandelt—who frequently claimed to be Madeleine—was found guilty of bothering the family but exonerated of a more serious charge of stalking.
Speaking before the assembly, the pastor said that Kate and Gerry had “been dragged through the courts” and had been tormented by “someone pretending to be Madeleine.”
Wandelt, 24, and her supporter Karen Spragg, 61, who was found not guilty of any charges, were charged with starting a “campaign of harassment” against the family, which in Wandelt’s case lasted for over two years.
At Leicester Crown Court, Wandelt of Lubin, Poland, received a six-month term.
However, after serving her sentence and being detained since February 2025, she was released to be deported to her home country.
Although they were kept out of the public eye, Kate, Gerry, Amelie, and Maddie’s great-aunt Janet Kennedy had all testified for the prosecution in court.
The family had been smuggled into and out of the courtroom, out of sight of the crowded media and curious onlookers.
The McCanns announced in a statement following the conviction that they “take no pleasure in the result,” notwithstanding the guilty judgement.
They said they didn’t want to go through the legal system, but the Crown Prosecution Service decided to prosecute them based on the information the police had collected.
On the 19th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance, the McCanns received sympathy from well-wishers.
In November of last year, Julia Wandelt (left), who frequently pretended to be Madeleine, was found guilty of bothering the family but exonerated of a more serious crime of stalking.
“We hope Ms. Wandelt will receive the appropriate care and support she needs and any vulnerability will not be exploited by others,” they stated. “If anyone has new evidence relating to Madeleine’s disappearance, please pass this on to the police.”
Police advised Kate and Gerry to avoid their daughter’s anniversary vigil in 2024 after their terrifying experience of harassment and stalking.
Strangely, Wandelt had shown up at the ceremony and insisted on seeing the couple to personally deliver a letter. When he discovered they were not there, he grew upset.
One of the largest missing person investigations in history is still Maddie’s disappearance. So far, her kidnapper has escaped punishment.
The British police have received additional resources to carry on their arduous search for Maddie.
Kate and Gerry expressed their hope for “positive news” and a “breakthrough we long for” this year, so this is a pleasant boost.
Scotland Yard’s new request for funding this fiscal year to continue its 15-year-old investigation, known as Operation Grange, has been approved by the government.
The taxpayer has already spent over £13.5 million on it.
“Ministers have approved a request from the Metropolitan Police Service to provide up to £86,000 for Operation Grange in 2026-27,” a Home Office spokeswoman told the Daily Mail. “The MPS request was considered, as usual, in line with our Special Grant process which is approved on an annual basis.”
However, the amount awarded has been reduced and is £22,000 less than it was under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last year.
Madeleine McCann, who vanished in 2007 while travelling to Portugal with her family, is shown.
Pictured: During a news appearance in London in May 2012, Kate and Gerry McCann displayed a picture of what Madeleine may look like as a grown girl.
Brueckner is still a suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance after being freed from prison last year.
German authorities have been determined to charge Christian Brueckner, a main suspect and convicted rapist, with her kidnapping and “no body” murder since they are certain she is dead.
Her case is still being investigated by Scotland Yard as a missing person.
Kate and Gerry wished everyone a happy New Year and thanked the people and police for their unwavering support.
“May 2026 bring us the breakthrough we long for,” they continued.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped us in any way and who has continued to hope for good news about Madeleine.”
