Kate’s best friend has been there from start
KATE Mccann’s best friend has shown unwavering support since the day Madeleine vanished 15 years ago – and was at her side again at an anniversary vigil last week.
Fellow doctor Fiona Payne, one of the group who had been on holiday with the Mccanns when Madeleine disappeared, has often consoled the anguished mum.
The close pals, once nicknamed Charlie’s Angels, bear an uncanny likeness with their long blonde hair and glasses.
During last week’s informal prayer gathering in Rothley, Leics, for the 15th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance, they chatted alone and with other well wishers.
Kate, 54, has previously said of Fiona, a mother-of-two: “She has remained such a wonderful support. Her support is very important to me.”
It was Fiona who consoled Kate remotely during lockdown when convicted rapist Christian Brueckner was first made a suspect nearly two years ago. She urged Kate: “Don’t give up hope now”, as German police insisted Madeleine was dead.
A local villager at the outdoor service said: “It was so nice to see Kate and Fiona standing side by side again, talking and hugging. Fiona has been a tower of strength and comfort to Kate over the years, and has always been a shoulder to cry on.”
Kate first met Fiona in a staff coffee room at Leicester General in December 2000.
Kate previously recalled: “We became such great mates that one of our consultant colleagues used to refer to us as Charlie’s Angels.”
When threeyear-old Madeleine went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007, it was Fiona who helped comfort her devastated friend.
Kate had said: “We talked and cried and held on to each other.”
When the Mccanns were made formal suspects – “arguidos” – Fiona told the Sunday Express: “These accusations are outrageous. Kate and Gerry are totally innocent.” The Mccanns were exonerated soon after and there is no suggestion they were at fault in any way.
The Mccanns have praised the British, Portuguese and German police for their “ongoing work and commitment”.