Kate and Gerry McCann have lost the latest stage of their legal battle over comments made by retired Portuguese detective Goncalo Amaral.
Lawyers for the couple had argued that Portuguese authorities had breached their right to a private and family life in the way the courts there dealt with their libel claims against Mr Amaral. He claimed in a book, TV documentary and newspaper interview that the McCanns were involved in their daughter Madeleine's disappearance.
The court found that the couple's reputation had been damaged by the fact that they were made official suspects in the case for a short time, rather than Mr Amaral's comments.
READ MORE: Madeleine McCann's parents 'not given up hope' daughter is alive
The McCanns now have three months to appeal the decision.
Madeleine disappeared while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal in May 2007. Despite widespread searches and numerous updated appeals, the then three-year-old has never been found.
British and Portuguese authorities are still investigating the disappearance.
Marking the 15th anniversary of the incident in May of this year, Madeleine's parents - Gerry and Huyton -born Kate - issued a statement discussing their feelings on this day. The post on the Find Madeleine website includes a quote from Winnie the Pooh, which says: "But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."
Part of a statement on the website said: "Marking the 15th anniversary of the incident, Madeleine's parents - Gerry and Huyton -born Kate - issued a statement discussing their feelings on this day. The post on the Find Madeleine website includes a quote from Winnie the Pooh, which says: "But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."
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