A friend of missing Madeleine McCann's family has told a libel trial in Portugal that the girl's parents were "devastated" by claims made in a book written by a former police chief.
The Daily Mail has reported that Susan Hubbard, the wife of a clergyman, was the first witness to appear in the case against Goncalo Amaral.
Mr Amaral, 56, who initially led the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance, went on to write a book called, The Truth Of The Lie.
The McCanns have strongly denied the claims that have been made in the book, which allege Madeleine died in the holiday apartment and they staged a cover-up.
Ms Hubbard is reported to have told the court the couple had been forced to put all their energy into defending themselves against the allegations, instead of searching for their missing daughter.
Madeleine's mum, Kate, arrived in Portugal's capital Lisbon late Wednesday evening.
Mrs McCann, 45, was accompanied by her mother, Susan Healy, for the first hearing of the case against Mr Amaral.
The family, from Rothley, have said the book turned Portuguese public opinion against them and damaged the hunt for their daughter. They will be given £1 million in damages if they win their legal action.
Mrs McCann, 45, could be called as a witness but is not expected to give evidence.
Friends and relatives are expected to take to the witness box instead, including Mrs McCann's cousin, Michael Wright.
Family spokesman Clarence Mitchell, said: "Kate and Gerry McCann remain very confident they will win the case."
Mr Amaral is expected to argue that under Portuguese law he is entitled to make the claims published in his book.
His book was published in 2008 and was banned for a while.
The former officer was removed from the Portuguese investigation in October 2007 after criticising British police.
Madeleine was almost four when she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, in Algarve on May 3, 2007.
The libel case will be heard today and will be adjourned until next Thursday when the court will sit again for two days.
A final hearing is expected on Friday, September 27.
