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Kate and Gerry McCann hold up a picture of Madeleine during a press conference in 2007© Getty

Kate and Gerry McCann share message to daughter Madeleine on her 20th birthday

Madeleine McCann’s birthday is 12 May 

Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
May 12, 2023
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Kate and Gerry McCann have shared a message to their missing daughter, Madeleine, on her 20th birthday. Sharing a video slideshow full of photos of Maddie, who went missing in 2007 aged three, they wrote: "Happy birthday Madeleine! We love you and we're waiting for you. We're never going to give up." 

Posting on 12 May, the caption read: "Madeleine McCann is 20 years-old today. She's still missing, still missed and we are never going to give up trying to find her." 

WATCH: Maddie McCann's disappearance is discussed in Netflix documentary

Their followers were quick to offer their support, with one writing: "Happy Birthday - never forgotten - always in my thoughts," while another wrote: "Happy birthday sweet girl you did not deserve this hope you're found one day."

Madeleine went missing on 3 May, days before her fourth birthday, and Kate and Gerry marked the occasion with a candle service, where they were joined by their daughter, Amelie. Kate later posted requesting that the media do not use photos of her from the event, writing: "As we do every year, we gathered in our village yesterday evening to mark the anniversary of our daughter Madeleine’s abduction. It was a special event and lovely to sense the hope and warmth of those who were there. 

Madeleine McCann went missing when she was three© Getty
Madeleine McCann went missing when she was three

"I was dismayed, however, that this sadly provided an opportunity for a local journalist to exploit the presence of our younger daughter who does not wish to be photographed or interviewed and was made to feel uncomfortable, especially at such a special moment of hope for Madeleine."

During the event, Rev Rob Gladstone said: "We are here this evening to show our loving concern for Madeleine and for all young children who have been taken away from their families against their will. We are also here to encourage one another to keep up hope and pray for a renewal of strength even after this long time."

madeleine mccann disappearance timeline what happened uk© Photo: Getty Images
Kate and Gerry shared a sweet message to Maddie

On the anniversary of her disappearance, her parents posted: "Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction. Still missing…… still very much missed. It is hard to find the words to convey how we feel."

MORE: Madeleine McCann disappearance: a timeline of how events unfolded

MORE: Polish woman claiming to be Maddie McCann 'definitely trafficked to Poland' 

Madeleine went missing while the family were on holiday in the Praia de Luz in Portugal. Kate and Gerry dined at a nearby restaurant with friends while Maddie slept in their villa with her twin younger siblings, Sean and Amelie, as the adults took it in turns to check on the children. When Kate checked at 10pm, Madeleine was missing from the room. 

madeleine mccann disappearance timeline what happened e fit© Photo: Getty Images
Madeleine's birthday is 12 May

While the investigation into Maddie’s disappearance is ongoing, a young Polish woman, Julia Wendell, recently made headlines after claiming that she believed that she might be the missing youngster, having similar features including Maddie’s unusual iris in one eye. However, a DNA test confirmed that this wasn’t the case, and the McCanns remained silent during the investigation into Julia’s identity. 

More photos of Maddie 

A likeness of what missing child Madeleine McCann would look like aged six© Getty
A likeness of what missing child Madeleine McCann would look like aged six
madeleine mccann photo© Photo: Getty Images
Madeleine went missing in 2007
madeleine mccann disappearance timeline what happened© Photo: Getty Images
She was three years old at the time
madeleine mccann young© Photo: Rex
She turned four days after on 12 May
maddie mccann© Photo: Getty Images
The investigation is still open into Maddie's disappearance
madeleine mccann
Maddie 20th birthday is on 12 May

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