Author: bang7

Both the king and Kate underwent treatment for cancer in 2024

King Charles is believed to have broken royal protocol with regards to Kate Middleton during last year’s Trooping the Colour.

Members of the royal family assembled on Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the monarch in June 2024 for the annual official celebration of the king’s birthday. Even though King Charles was born on  actual birthday falls on November 14, his official birthday celebrations have taken place in June for the two times it has occurred so far following his accession and coronation.

However, during the most recent balcony gathering, observers noted the king’s treatment of his daughter-in-law Kate.
Kate smiles alongside her husband Prince William and their children for Trooping the Colour in 2024 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour 2024 amid cancer battle

That’s because Kate Middleton was positioned next to the king. The previous year, this spot was reserved for his son – and her husband – Prince William.

Furthermore, it was clear how relaxed they are in each other’s company. The pair spoke with one another as the crowds watched on. And she reportedly made the king laugh in the moments before the National Anthem played.

And according to one royal insider, the gesture of having Kate in close proximity could be interpreted as evidence of the strength of the bond between her and the king.

Additionally, with both having suffered health woes over the past 18 months, Kate’s positioning could also be seen as a mark of respect. This may be especially so as she decided to return to the public eye on the occasion after several months as she herself recovered from cancer.
Kate, Princess of Wales, speaks with King Charles (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Former royal butler Grant Harrold previously told OK!: “It is changing protocol to show the king and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles. So I would say this is down to the king’s preference.

I would say this is down to the king’s preference.

“The balcony [line-up] is orchestrated, so I have a feeling the king said to Kate, ‘You stand next to me.’”
Prince William stood next to King Charles for Trooping the Colour in 2023 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Why does the monarch have two birthdays?

Celebrating the monarch’s birthday has been a tradition in the UK since 1748, during the reign of King George II.

During the first Trooping the Colour of his reign in 2023, King Charles inspected his troops on horseback, the first time this had been done during the event since 1986.

Last year, however, while undergoing cancer treatment, he chose to ride in a carriage instead.

According to reports, Trooping the Colour became a summer event due to better weather during June than winter.

It also usually coincides with the publication of the king’s Birthday Honours List.
Queen Elizabeth II looks at Prince Louis during her final Trooping the Colour in 2022 (Credit: Splashnews.com)
More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and hundreds of musicians take part in Trooping the Colour. And thousands of spectators lined The Mall hoping for a glimpse of the royals and the RAF flypast.

Meghan opened up about motherhood on The Jamie Kern Lima Show

Meghan Markle is facing some criticism again over comments she made about her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The controversy erupted after Meghan’s recent comments about juggling motherhood and work.

During an appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show in April, Meghan admitted she had an “amazing” nanny for her two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, who turns four on June 4.

The duchess also discussed motherhood during an episode of her own podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. She said the task of juggling work and motherhood can feel “overwhelming”.

She added: “It is the thing where you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just need a break, I just need a minute, I just need a minute.’”
Meghan Markle was slammed for her comments about her children (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan Markle criticised over statement about motherhood with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet

While Meghan’s comments may have resonated with some, some royal commentators weren’t impressed.

Speaking on The Sun‘s Royal Exclusive Show, News.com.au’s royal correspondent Bronte Coy called Meghan’s statements “frustrating” and suggested the duchess was overplaying her struggles.

“I have a son,” Bronte began. “But when I hear people from positions of great privilege, where they can afford nannies and a lot of help, go on and on and on about the working mum thing, it’s not the same.

“Yes, it’s time away from your kid, I definitely understand that aspect. But it’s not the same as the working mum idea that a lot of the rest of the world has to deal with.”

Bronte continued: “She really leaned into that a lot. I think, well, is this a struggle that you have a lot? You do have help. And also, you are at home a lot. I find that a little bit grating.”

Meghan’s remarks came just weeks after she revealed that her nanny often stepped in to help with school runs for Archie and Lilibet. Critics have argued that Meghan’s version of motherhood is far removed from the average working parent’s experience.
Meghan Markle opened up about motherhood on The Jamie Kern Lima Show (Credit: The Jamie Kern Lima Show)

‘She feels the need to be this thing she’s clearly not’

Broadcaster and writer Esther Krakue echoed Bronte’s sentiments, suggesting Meghan was trying too hard to fit a role that doesn’t align with her lifestyle.

“I don’t even want to feel like we’re beating down on everything she does. I genuinely wish her all the success,” Esther said. “But I feel sad that she feels the need to be this thing that she’s clearly not. She’s not a chemist. She’s not a physicist. But that’s fine. Sometimes it’s OK to just be pretty and to have good fortune in life and to ride that wave.”

It’s not the same as the working mum idea that a lot of the rest of the world has to deal with.

Esther added that Meghan would be better suited to sticking with lifestyle content. However, she also branded Meghan’s attempts to be a lifestyle guru as “disappointing”.

Meghan’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has also been criticised for lacking substance.

In the eight-part series, filmed at a rustic farmhouse near the Sussexes’ own Montecito mansion, Meghan was seen crafting and cooking for celebrity friends.

James suffered a severe health crisis in 2017

Kate Middleton was “alarmed” to hear about the mental health crisis her brother James endured, according to a magazine report.

James Middleton, 38, has made several media appearances in recent years as a mental health advocate. He has shared how severe depression, at his lowest point, left him with suicidal thoughts. And he has also opened up about growing up with dyslexia, ADD, and anxiety.

A few weeks ago, James told The Times how Kate – diagnosed with cancer last year – has gone through “challenging” times. But he also noted how relatives had rallied to support her. And now, sources have revealed how he depended on his older sisters Kate and Pippa Middleton during his own health woes.
“Kate Middleton has always had an exceptionally close relationship with her brother James,” a source claimed (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Kate Middleton ‘frightened’ for younger brother

According to Closer, Kate and her husband Prince William have been a constant support to James.

“Kate has always had an exceptionally close relationship with James. So of course she was very upset and stressed that he was struggling,” an insider is quoted as saying.

 

James was stricken with a mental health crisis in 2017. And it is Kate Middleton and her sister who were there to help him as they attended family sessions amid a year of cognitive behavioural therapy.

Kate would drop whatever she’s doing and be there to help.

Describing Kate as James’ “rock”, the source added: “They talk and text all the time, sometimes into the night, and James knows that if he ever needs anything from Kate at all then she’d drop whatever she’s doing and be there to help. And that counts for so much.”
James Middleton has hailed his sister Kate Middleton as his ‘rock’ (Credit: Splashnews.com)

‘Kate’s compassion and selflessness’

Meanwhile, Kate has stoically pushed on, even as she has had to take time away from public life to recover herself, following a cancer diagnosis.

Additionally, the royal family was also hit by a separate cancer diagnosis for King Charles.

Nonetheless, the insider hails Kate for ensuring there is enough concern and compassion for all.

Read more: Inside Kate Middleton’s ‘complicated’ relationship with brother James Middleton

They added: “It speaks volumes for Kate’s compassion and selflessness that she has been able to be so supportive to her brother despite everything that was going on in her own life, but that’s just her nature. She’ll always do everything in her power to keep her family together.”

Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace  for comment.

Freddy has been spending time with grandma Jackiey Budden

Strictly star Bobby Brazier has reportedly been left saddened by brother Freddy’s decision to miss his recent birthday celebrations.

Freddy, 20, was absent from Bobby’s 22nd birthday bash over the weekend amid a reported family “feud”. It’s reportedly been sparked by dad Jeff’s concerns over the boys’ relationship with their maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden.

Freddy Brazier ‘living with grandmother Jackiey Budden’

In recent months, it’s been reported that Jeff Brazier, 45, has been taking legal action to prevent Jackiey Budden, 68 – the late Jade Goody’s mother – from spending time with his son, Freddy.

Jeff and Jade Goody had Freddy and Bobby together before they split in 2004. This Morning star Jeff and Jackiey have reportedly clashed numerous times since Jade’s death in 2009.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Jeff was launching legal action to prevent Jackiey from seeing Freddy. It’s believed that Jeff feels Freddy’s relationship with Jackiey has been “detrimental to him”. Sources have also added that Jeff is “concerned” for his son.

However, Freddy has continued to spend time with his grandmother.

Over the weekend, in pictures obtained by The Sun, Freddy and Jackiey were seen smoking what seemed to be a joint in public in London.

“These pictures show exactly why Jeff is so worried about his son,” a source alleged to the publication.

Jeff doesn’t want Jackiey to see Freddy (Credit: ITV)

Freddy ‘defying’ dad

Over the weekend, Freddy also shared videos of himself and his grandmother dancing on TikTok. Freddy has reportedly been living with his grandmother for the past week.

“Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long – they’ve always had a strong bond,” a source told the MailOnline.

Now, it’s been reported that Freddy also skipped Bobby’s birthday bash.

“Bobby celebrated his birthday with dad Jeff and stepmum Kate over the weekend. It was a really nice family occasion but everyone really missed Freddy,” a source alleged to The Sun.

“He was of course invited but he is making his feelings quite clear at the moment about who he wants to be spending time with,” they then continued.

“He did acknowledge Bobby’s birthday online but there was some sadness that he wasn’t there with his brother.”

ED! has contacted Bobby, Freddy, and Jeff’s representatives for comment.

Jeff has reportedly launched legal action against Jackiey (Credit: ITV)

Jackiey and Freddy’s bond

Last year, it was reported that Freddy would go to his grandmother’s house when he and Jeff had a row.

“Freddy will often turn up on the doorstep. Sometimes very unhappy, and wanting to see his nan,” a source told the MailOnline.

“He [Jeff] is furious at the idea that Freddy goes to her house after they have a row. He is cross at the idea of him going to seek solace there,” they then continued.

The source then said: “He and Jeff often argue, the rows can be bad, things go really, really pear-shaped between them and that’s it, he leaves. Freddy has got so much love to give. But he doesn’t feel like he gets it back off of his father.”

Lilibet will celebrate her fourth birthday in California

Meghan Markle has celebrated her daughter Princess Lilibet on her fourth birthday with adorable photos.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s youngest child Lilibet turns four on June 4. She was born in 2021. The couple are also parents to their son Prince Archie, six.

To mark the occasion, Meghan, 43, took to her personal Instagram account to share a couple of pictures of Lili.

Meghan Markle shares photos of Princess Lilibet on her birthday

The first cute photo showed Meghan cuddling Lilibet whilst on a boat. Lilibet was seen looking at the camera, with the lower half of her face covered by Meghan’s arm.

Meghan smiled at her little girl as she wrapped her arms around her.

Meanwhile, the second photo in the post showed Meghan cuddling a newborn Lilibet, seemingly just moments after she was born.

Alongside the black and white images, Meghan gushed: “Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives – and each day is brighter and better because of it.

“Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!”

Royal fans shared their thoughts on the sweet pictures, with one person saying on X: “She looks like Diana, those eyes and hair!”

Another wrote: “She has Harry’s whole face,” while a third agreed: “Adorable photo! Lilibet really does look just like Harry.”

Someone else commented: “I think what bits of her I’ve seen she is like Doria,” referring to Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.

Harry and Meghan’s youngest child, Princess Lilibet, turns four on June 4 (Credit: Cover Images)

Why do Harry and Meghan hide their children’s faces?

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan choose to kept their children’s faces private.

Four years ago today she came into our lives – and each day is brighter and better because of it.

The children were seen in their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, through family home videos and photos.

However, on Meghan’s Instagram, the children are often seen with their faces hidden.
Meghan and Harry don’t show their children’s faces in photos (Credit: Cover Images)
Previous reports claimed that Harry felt “reluctant” about showing his kids’ faces publicly.

An insider told PEOPLE in August 2024: “Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.”

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle changed Princess Lilibet Diana’s birth certificate after she was born

“He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm. As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself,” they added, referring to the tragic death of Harry’s mother Princess Diana in 1997.

Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, California, with Archie and Lilibet. They moved from the UK in 2020 after stepping back from their senior duties.

The TV chef and wife Jools share five kids

Jamie Oliver has offered a rare insight into his family life, revealing his children have been handed a trio of health diagnoses.

The TV chef, 50, has been a staple on screens for years. However, away from the cooking shows, Jamie is loved-up with wife Jools, 50.

The couple are parents to Poppy, 23, Daisy, 22, Petal, 16, Buddy, 14, and River, eight. And recently, Jamie revealed some “hard” family news.

The TV chef is dad to five kids, who he shares with beloved wife Jools (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Jamie Oliver reveals children’s health diagnoses

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Jamie opened up about his family.

The presenter shared that his oldest daughters, Poppy, 23, and Daisy, 22, have flown the nest and moved out. This is something he has found “hard, but sort of exciting and beautiful”.

Jamie’s other three children still live at home though. He also candidly revealed that there have been diagnoses of dyslexia, ADHD and ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in the past year within the family.

Jamie’s eldest kids have now moved out of the family home (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Jamie on his ‘very neurodiverse family’

Jamie is also dyslexic. Despite leaving school with just two GCSEs, he found his calling in the kitchen, which he credits with saving him.

Talking to the publication, Jamie didn’t go into detail, but described his clan as a “very neurodiverse family”.

Jamie then shared that he and Jools talk about their children in bed every night and have “learnt to understand that their behaviour is because they’re seeing things differently”.

Being aware of that allows you to be a better parent.

He added: “Being aware of that allows you to be a better parent.”

According to Jamie, he describes family life as being “amazing but bonkers. Imagine four neurodiverse people at the dinner table trying to get their point across”.

Jamie on his dyslexia battle

Jamie previously opened up about living with dyslexia ahead of a Channel 4 documentary that’s set to air later this year.

Reflecting on his struggles in school, Jamie said: “It’s no secret I struggled at school – but I was one of the lucky ones. I knew I wanted to be a chef, so I had somewhere to go, catering school, where I could thrive. The kitchen saved me.”

However, he is aware that many children with dyslexia don’t have the same luck.

“What happens to those who don’t know where to go? We can’t leave kids’ futures up to luck. We need the education system to update, so everyone has the best possible chance in life.” Jamie added.

Jamie’s upcoming documentary will explore how schools can celebrate neurodiverse ways of thinking. It airs on Channel 4 on June 9.

Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz-Beckham have candidly opened up about their future plans as they shared their secrets to their successful marriage as ‘best friends’

Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz Beckham (Image: Instagram )

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz are ready to build their own family amid rumours of a feud with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. The apparent fraction between the Beckhams has led to intense speculation surrounding the once close knit clan.

However, with Brooklyn admitting the pair “don’t listen to all the nonsense” when it comes to the public’s prying, it appears they are ready to create a family unit of their own. The eldest child of Posh and Becks was seen packing on the PDA with his wife in a new interview.

The duo opened up on their marriage and bond with each other, with Brooklyn confessing on a number of occasions that he sees kids in his future. He also said his wife will be an “amazing” mum.

Brooklyn Beckham and David Beckham (Image: Getty Images)

Sitting down to take Glamour’s Friend Test, the pair are told to look into each other’s eyes for two minutes. They then must reveal what they see.

In a sweet nod to Nicola, Brooklyn said: “I see us when we have our kids.” The words were echoed by the American, who said: “I see the future father of my kids.”

Brooklyn went on to say: “The most important thing someone can do in their life is find that person for life because they’ll really change everything and they’ll make everything better.” He also gushed over Nicola’s treatment towards their dogs, adding: “The way she treats them, I feel like you’re gonna be the most amazing mum with our kids.”

The interview, which was conducted in April before the alleged fallout between Brooklyn and his parents became public, seemed to avoid mention of David and Victoria. Instead, Nicola took time to share the words her parents had told her about relationships.

The pair chatted to Glamour Germany(Image: The Morelli Brothers/Glamour Germany)

“My parents always told me, “When you meet the right person, you’ll feel it,”” she said. “As a child, I thought, ‘How will I ever know that?’ But it’s true: It’s this deep feeling of security that spreads throughout your entire body, a calmness, a sense of arrival. I had never experienced that before.”

Brooklyn also labelled Nicola his best friend with Nicola admitting the pair’s relationship is built on enjoying little things together.

Speculation of tension between Victoria and David and their son and his wife was initially sparked by an incident over a wedding dress. Now, over three years on, LA-based Brooklyn and Nicola have now reportedly cut contact altogether.

The apparent fallout came to light in the public eye after Brooklyn opted against attending any of his father’s lavish 50th birthday celebrations. He has also failed to address any of his close-knit family’s recent birthdays.

EastEnders is getting set for the arrival of a former character who is sure to be a huge surprise for Elaine, who is ready to make a decision about her marriage

Elaine is in for a surprise(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders bosses are preparing for a huge return that will shake up on character’s life in Walford. Actor Paul Clayton is said to be ready for a return to the BBC soap just a year after he and his character Drew Peacock left.

He had been revealed as the ex lover of the husband of Elaine Peacock (played by Harriet Thorpe), who is that Queen Vic’s landlady. Drew had made his EastEnders entrance last year after being hired by the Carter’s to perform at Elaine’s hen do.

Things quickly turned sour after Elaine after recognising him and promptly ordering him the leave. She then had to explain the situation to her daughter Linda (Kellie Bright). She revealed Drew was the mystery person who her dad had an affair with in the past.

Drew Peacock’s debut on EastEnders caused quite the stir, as Elaine Peacock was seen screaming at them (Image: BBC)

Despite Elaine and Drew putting the past behind them, his return is set to send shockwaves through the square. His return was seemingly confirmed after his name is featured in the cast list for next week’s episodes.

In the guide, it hints Elaine will make a shock discovery and go on to make a decision regarding her marriage to Colin Salmon’s character, George, according to the Sun. It follows dramatic scenes in Albert Square this week.

On Monday’s episode, another shock affair was confirmed in Walford. Fans saw Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) struggle with her husband Peter Beale (Thomas Law), who hasn’t been helping out with newborn son Jimmy after finding out he was blind.

Cindy and Kathy Beale then stepped in to help – which led to a shocking revelation from Peter.

Asked why he won’t even pick Jimmy up, Peter exclaimed: “I can’t look at him because it makes me angry. And I can’t look at you because it’s your fault.”

Kathy then butted in to tell her grandson he was out of order, but Peter was having none of it.

“Why? Because the doctor said that her being as high as a kite is unlikely to be the cause? Well do any of you think it helped?”

“She was meant to be protecting our son. My son is blind and I’ve got to pretend that his mum has nothing to do with the fact he’ll never see my face,” Peter exclaimed before he stormed out

Lauren, who was clearly distressed, then went out to find a drink. While Linda refused to serve her in the Vic, Gina also shunned her in Harry’s Barn.

It led to Zack taking her him, where he revealed all about being Barney’s dad. As Lauren stood up to comfort him, things took a turn when she planted a kiss on his cheek, which led to the lips.

Both Queen Camilla and King Charles are featured in the new royal whodunnit, written by Peter James, whom Her Majesty has openly named as her favourite crime author

Queen Camilla, pictured greeting crowds in Rome this year, has a leading role in their own royal whodunnit(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Queen Camilla is to star in her favourite author’s latest murder mystery – and has even helped with the plot.

Her Majesty, 77, has a central role in The Hawk Is Dead: A Killer In The Palace, which sees a detective investigate a murder at Buckingham Palace. Camilla has openly named the author, Peter James, as her top crime writer and forged a friendship with him in the past 10 years.

It is said Camilla is “thrilled” to have a leading role in the book, due for release in October, written some time after the Queen Consort had suggested her friend set his legendary Brighton-based detective’s latest case in London. His books have been made into an ITV drama series Grace, staring John Simm as the eponymous detective superintendent.

“Fortunately, no one is likely to be more thrilled to find themselves taking a leading role in their own royal whodunnit than Her Majesty,” writes Daily Mail’s royal editor, Rebecca English, in today’s publication.

Camilla is pictured on the set of Grace with Peter James(Image: PA)

King Charles also features in the book, which tells the tale of a detective exploring what they believe to be a assassination attempt at Buckingham Palace. Publishers Pan Macmillan said: “Opening with a cinematic derailment of the Royal Train, The Hawk Is Dead takes Roy Grace deep into the heart of Buckingham Palace, where he is called upon to solve a murder and what looks to be a royal assassination attempt.”

“Queen Camilla, a well-known book lover and reading champion through her charity The Queen’s Reading Room, has always been one of the first people to receive each Grace novel and is excited to have a starring role, alongside King Charles, in Peter’s latest thriller.”

Her Majesty has already had a sneak peakat the novel, it is understood. Peter, 76 and who has several Sunday Times No 1 bestsellers to his name, was “moved to tears” by Camilla’s recent nomination of Grace as her favourite detective.

Speaking in a recent interview, Peter, who was raised in East Sussex, said: “I came up with an idea, which I ran by Her Majesty and she loved it. Throughout writing, during which I’ve done extensive behind-the-scenes research at the Palace, I have received invaluable insights from the Royal Household, including Her Majesty.”

The pair have developed a firm but unlikely friendship and, in 2021, Her Majesty visited the set of Grace, the fifth series of which has just aired on ITV. A sixth series of the drama is already in production.

Insiders told the Daily Mail “any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental” when asked about Peter’s new book. Buckingham Palace declined to comment to the publication.

Madeleine has been missing for 18 years

Susanna Reid brought Good Morning Britain to a halt to share some breaking news about Madeleine McCann today (Tuesday, June 3).

The search for Madeleine has been ongoing since her disappearance back in 2007 when she was three years old.

Susanna crossed live to Portugal during today’s show (Credit: ITV)
During today’s edition of Good Morning Britain, Susanna was forced to bring the show to a stop for some breaking news.

The star, 54, announced that the show was going straight to Chief Correspondent Richard Gaisford for an update on the Madeleine McCann case.

Richard was in Portugal to announce that 30 German police officers, including forensic experts, who are investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, are going to begin a fresh and extensive search in Portugal today.

Police believe they have identified an area between the hotel where the McCann family was staying and a property connected to the suspect Christian Brueckner.

“Richard, it’s all about to begin again. Are the police acting on new information do you know?” Susanna asked.

“Well that’s what we don’t know, but as you’ve already reported Susanna, they are here in force and ready to start what is an extensive search,” Richard replied.

Madeleine’s 22nd birthday was last month (Credit: SplashNews.com)

‘The land is associated with Brueckner’

Richard then continued, saying: “I’ve just been speaking with the Portuguese police officers who are guarding this particular scene just outside. Telling me they’re expecting this search to start here in the next hour or two.

They’re expecting this search to start here in the next hour or two.

“German police have applied for a European investigation order, they will arrive here at the scene with a judicial warrant. The land owner can do nothing about that but sit back and watch and see what develops,” he then said.

“They are looking at land associated in some way with Christian Brueckner, who the German police believe is the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. He is currently in jail in Germany. That is in relation to the rape of an elderly woman in Praia da Luz. He was living in Praia da Luz or around Praia da Luz at the time that Madeleine disappeared 18 years ago,” he then continued.

Richard then said that the Metropolitan Police are not involved, but will provide support if needed. He then added that the Met has been given another £100,000 by the government to continue investigating the case.

Kate and Gerry have been searching for 18 years (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Kate and Gerry mark 18 years since Madeleine’s disappearance

Last month saw Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearance.

In a brief message, they vowed they would keep searching for her.

“No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day,” they said.

“We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her.”