Real story behind infamous Madeleine McCann photo revealed
Topics: News, Madeleine McCann
Gregory Robinson
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: News, Madeleine McCann
When three-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared 17 years ago, a series of images of the toddler were circulated across the media in an appeal for witnesses.
One photo which is still used by investigating officers to this day shows Madeleine wearing a pink sun hat and holding a bundle of tennis balls closely in her arms in what would become one of the final snaps taken of the toddler before her disappearance.
This heartbreaking image of the happy youngster, plus numerous others, have been discussed in great detail by her mother Kate, who had been eating dinner at a nearby restaurant with her husband Gerry when their daughter went missing from her bedroom while on a family holiday in the Algarve in 2007.
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Only when returning to the two bedroom Praia da Luz apartment at around 10.00pm on 3 May 2007 did Madeleine's mum discover the youngster was missing.
Madeleine had been left alone in the apartment with her younger twin siblings, Sean and Amelie, while her parents went out for food with their friends around 100 yards from their accommodation.
An investigation, which would later be branded the 'most reported on missing person's case in modern history', was quickly launched and continued for almost two decades with millions of pounds invested.
Recalling her experience, Kate published a book titled Madeleine: Our Daughter's Disappearance and The Continuing Search For Her in 2011 which detailed the initial appeal launched by police.
Kate also lifted the lid on the infamous photo of her little girl playing on a tennis court, which would be used by officers in their search for the missing toddler.
"During Gerry’s tennis lesson, Madeleine and Ella came to the adjoining court with their Mini Club for a mini-tennis session," Kate wrote.
"Jane and I stayed to watch them.
"It chokes me remembering how my heart soared with pride in Madeleine that morning. She was so happy and obviously enjoying herself."
Kate continued: "Standing there listening intently to Cat’s instructions, she looked so gorgeous in her little T-shirt and shorts, pink hat, ankle socks and new holiday sandals that I ran back to our apartment for my camera to record the occasion.
"One of my photographs is known around the world now: a smiling Madeleine clutching armfuls of tennis balls."
Madeleine's tragic disappearance has been the subject of countless documentaries and a handful of global conspiracy theories.
A Polish woman has even claimed to be Madeleine and took a DNA test to 'prove' her identity.
Julia Wandelt, 23, once claimed to be the missing British toddler but expressed her 'regret' when the DNA test proved she was not Madeleine.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 podcast Why Do You Hate Me? last year, Julia surprised her online followers by insisting she 'regrets' the ordeal and saying she 'never meant to hurt anyone – including the McCanns'.
"I really wanted to know who I am," she continued.
However, on Tuesday (11 February), Julia updated her Instagram followers and said she was awaiting the results of further DNA tests.