Madeleine McCann’s sister has spoken out for the first time 16 years after her sibling disappeared.

It was on May 3, 2007, when the British girl vanished from a vacation apartment in Portugal while her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, were dining at a nearby restaurant.

16 years later, the McCanns were joined by locals at a candle service in their hometown.

Amelie shared a heartbreaking statement, as per The Telegraph.

“It’s nice that everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion,” she expressed.

This is the first time Amelie has been photographed in public. She and her friend Georgina lit a candle in Madeleine’s honor and knelt down to read messages written for her older sister.

Kate and Gerry’s fried, Fiona Payne, read out a 1981 poem ‘Hope is the Thing with Features’ by Emily Dickinson before embracing the mother.

Brian Kennedy, Kate’s uncle, also said: “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.”

Addressing supporters during the vigil, the 84-year-old 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.”

This comes after Maddie’s parents issued a statement to mark the 16th anniversary of their child’s disappearance.

“Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction,” the statement read.

“Still missing… still very much missed. It is hard to find the words to convey how we feel. The police investigation continues, and we await a breakthrough. Thank you to everyone for your support – it really helps.”

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