What we know about the little-known twin siblings of Madeleine McCann
Madeleine McCann is possibly one of the most famous faces in the world.
Three-year-old Maddie, who famously disappeared on May 3, 2007 while visiting Portugal with her family, has been publicised in the hopes to eventually locate her whereabouts.
But despite being the most reported missing person in modern history, investigators and her parents have had no luck in finding the little girl.
Maddie’s parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, have campaigned tirelessly to find her, but while the world knows everything about young Madeleine, not much is known about her twin siblings, who were only two years old when their elder sister vanished.
Now, 12 years later, 14-year-old Sean and Amelie are aspiring athletes, but tend to keep an extremely low profile as there are no public photos of the siblings as they are today.
The only photographs of the two are from when they were younger.
Sean is an unbeaten swimming champion and also takes part in cross country and triathlons in his local area. So far, he has competed in 14 championships, runs and leagues.
And his sister is also a force to be reckoned with, as she took part in nine athletic and triathlon competitions in 2018.
Speaking to The Sun, a guest at their 13th birthday party last year said that the teenagers had one wish; “for their big sister to come home".
“Kate and Gerry want to give the twins a memorable occasion, they’re teenagers now and that’s a big deal,” the guest said.
While Maddie hasn’t been around to watch her younger brother and sister grow up, the 14-year-old's are reminded of their loss every day.
Madeleine’s bedroom remains untouched, just the way it was when she was three – bright pink.
Her parents, who purchase Christmas gifts for her every year, make sure to leave them in her room, in case she returns home.
The twins attend a Catholic secondary school located 12 kilometres from the family home, in Loughborough, UK.
Kate, who works in the medical sector, has previously stated that the family regularly pray for Maddie’s safe return.
She said the twins have “grown up essentially without knowing Madeleine but knowing their sister is missing and they want her back".
“They have their own friends, and they keep busy and they’re really sporty, but their only wish is for their big sister to come home. We miss our complete family of five,” Kate told The Sun.
On the 10th anniversary of Maddie’s kidnapping, Kate took to Facebook to write: “I truly hope that those reporting on the ‘story’ over the next couple of weeks will have a conscience. Even if little consideration for Gerry and me is shown, they will at least bear in mind the effect such unfounded and unwarranted negativity could have on our other children.”
Sean and Amelie were only metres away from Maddie in a peaceful slumber when she was allegedly taken. British police and Scotland Yard have yet to locate her, despite their ongoing efforts.