Madeleine McCann’s sister speaks out on 16th anniversary of her disappearance

Amelie McCann has spoken out for the first time since her older sister Madeleine disappeared during a family vacation 16 years ago.

The three-year-old vanished during a family vacation in the resort of Praia de Luz in Portugal’s Algarve region on May 3, 2007 — nine days before her fourth birthday.

Amelie, now 18, fought back tears as she lit a candle in her sister’s memory at a vigil in Rothley, Leicestershire — McCann’s hometown — on Wednesday, attended by close friends and family.

“It’s nice everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion,” Amelie said at the vigil according to The Mirror, where pictures of her sister were hung up on railings.

Amelie was joined by her friend Georgina, who helped her read messages for Madeleine handed from well-wishers.

She later joined parents Kate and Gerry McCann, who did not speak at the vigil.

Kate’s close friend Fiona Payne, who was vacationing with the McCann family in 2007, was also in attendance.

A priest attending the vigil on behalf of the local church led the vigil, saying, “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.”

Kate’s uncle, Brian Kennedy, 84, addressed attendees after the event, saying, “Kate and Gerry are very moved by the size of the group of people who turned up.

“After all these years people still assemble – some come every time and some are new and we are very grateful.”

He continued, “Sixteen years without someone and still not knowing where they are is a very long time. Even if it was bad news, in some ways, would give us some closure. But with no closure there is still hope.”

While on vacation in 2007, the toddler’s parents had left their three children sleeping in the apartment while they went to a restaurant nearby, returning regularly to check on McCann and her siblings.

But when her mom checked on the kids at 10 p.m., she was horrified to find the door and window to their bedroom wide open and the toddler nowhere to be found.

European officials last year formally declared German rapist Christian Brueckner an official suspect in McCann’s disappearance.

Prosecutors earlier said that they are certain the missing girl — who would turn 20 next month — was murdered.

However, he has not been charged.

Brueckner, who is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence, was accused of other sex crimes in the same resort region of Portugal as McCann was taken from her parent’s villa.

In 2022, Brueckner was charged with three counts of aggravated rape and two counts of sexual abuse of children.