Madeleine McCann's parents issue new heartbreaking statement to mark poignant moment

They wrote: “Happy birthday Madeleine! We love you and we’re waiting for you. We’re never going to give up.”

The pair also shared a picture taken of their daughter from when she was on holiday as a three-year-old before she vanished.

They captioned the photo: “She’s still missing, still missed and we are never going to give up trying to find her.”

The youngster disappeared while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007 and since then, there has been no conclusive proof that she is either dead or alive.

Her parents are today marking her birthday at a small family gathering.

Earlier this month, Madeleine's younger sister lit a candle at a vigil to mark exactly 16 years since her disappearance.

Amelie, 18 was pictured for the first time since she was a toddler alongside Kate and Gerry at the prayer gathering in their home village of Rothley in Leicester.

Amelie's twin brother Sean did not attend.

At the time of the gathering, Amelie said: “It’s nice that everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion.”

The family were hoping for a breakthrough as they paid tribute to Madeleine 16 years since her disappearance.

German prosecutors announced they were dropping rape charges against suspect Christian B who is serving a seven-year sentence in Germany over the rape of a pensioner in Praia da Luz, the same area in Portugal which Maddie went missing.

The 45-year-old was charged with three offences of aggravated rape and two offences of the sexual abuse of children allegedly committed in Portugal.

These charges have now been dropped as they did not have jurisdiction over him.