Parents’ Worst Nightmare: The Story of Madeleine McCann

Could It Be Her?

In November 2017, a college student named Harriet Brookes claimed to be the long-lost Madeleine McCann. In an online discussion forum, Brookes cited the fact that she has a brown spot on one iris, just like McCann, as well as a freckle on her leg exactly where the missing toddler had one. She shared photos of both similarities.

The posts were apparently made in jest. One of them read, “[r]ight guys. I don’t usually believe in conspiracy theories but honestly I think I’m Madeleine McCann.” Another: “I’m Madeleine McCann and I don’t know what to do with myself.” The physical similarities between the two are quite striking, though.