Madeleine McCann's parents to receive guard at vigil after 'stalking' fears Madeline McCann's parents, Kate and Gerry, will be receiving a police guard this weekend during a prayer vigil for their daughter due to ongoing stalking allegations Madeline McCann's parents, Kate and Gerry, will be receiving a police guard this weekend during a prayer vigil for their daughter due to ongoing stalking allegations (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire ) Madeline McCann's parents will be guarded by police at a vigil for their daughter to mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearance due to ongoing stalking allegations. Gerry and Kate McCann, from Glasgow, are expected to be in attendance for the prayer gathering in Rothley, Leicestershire, after not visiting last year's event due to a woman named Julia Wandel reportedly arriving at the couple's home without an invitation, according to The Mirror. ‌ Ms Wandel falsely claimed to be Madeleine, and is facing stalking allegations alongside Karen Spragg, from Cardiff, with the McCanns set to present evidence against the pair at the trial later on this year. ‌ READ MORE: Madeleine McCann prime suspect could be free in days as police face race against time Rothley-based vicar, Simon Payne, confirmed police would be attending the vigil to ensure the couple are safe. The vicar said: “Eighteen years is quite a milestone. Article continues below "People still want to come and remember Madeleine and pray for her family." "I hope it will be a peaceful occasion with no disturbance. I am told there will be a police presence, for Kate and Gerry who are hoping to be there. I am not sure how many officers will be in attendance." The vigil will be held at 7pm Rothley’s war memorial, according to Kate’s uncle, Brian Kennedy, who expressed how after nearly two decades Madeline's family "keep on hoping." ‌ He said: “Local people are still very supportive. "We are aware of how quickly May 3 comes round again, but we keep on hoping even after such a long time." READ MORE: New search for missing girl linked to Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner Article continues below Madeline disappeared from the McCann's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal in May 2007 when she was three years old. Christian Brueckner was described as the primary suspect in Madeline's disappearance from the beach resort in 2020. He is currently in prison for an unrelated rape case and denies any involvement in the case.