18 January 2023 , 17:45
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The hunt for a new mum who went missing with her partner and newborn baby boy has entered day five, as it's revealed she has ties to the royal family.
Constance Marten, 35, and her partner Mark Gordon, disappeared after the car they were travelling in broke down on the M61 near Bolton, Greater Manchester, on Thursday evening, before leaving on foot.
Police have said Constance had "very recently given birth" and the new mum has since been sighted 200 miles away in Essex on Saturday.
As concerns for the family's welfare skyrockets, details have emerged about who Constance is and her background.
The 35-year-old is the granddaughter of archaeologist Mary Anna Marten, whose godmother was the late Queen Mother, it has emerged.
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Constance's partner Mark Gordon (Greater Manchester Police / SWNS)
CCTV image which is believed to be Constance Marten outside Harwich Port in Essex on Saturday (PA)Mary and husband Lt. Cdr George's wedding was attended by the then-King George VI alongside the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.
The aristocrats were also involved in the Crichel Down Affair after their Dorset home and grounds were bought by Winston Churchill's government for military use during WWII, then failed to sell it back to the family.
Constance's father, Napier Marten, was a page to the late Queen before later giving up the family's £115million fortune.
Detectives searching for Constance, Mark and the newborn say she was sighted near Harwich Port at around 9am on Saturday, and again around an hour later in Colchester.
The 35-year-old was wrapped in a large red blanket at the time and police described her as speaking with a southern accent and last seen wearing a burgundy coat.
Mary and George's wedding was attended by King George VI alongside Princess Margaret (Eddie Worth/AP/REX/Shutterstock)
Lt. Cdr George Marten with wife Mary and daughters Charlotte, Anna and Georgina - the couple are Constance Marten's grandparents (ANL/REX/Shutterstock)Her partner Mark was last seen originally wearing dark clothing. The baby boy was swaddled.
Greater Manchester Police have said they are extremely concerned for Constance and her baby as it's thought neither have been examined by medical professionals since the birth.
"With it being three days now, officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of the new born baby which is everyone's priority and are asking for Constance and any members of the public who have any information to reach out to ensure they are safe and well," the force said.
GMP's Head of Public Protection, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, previously issued a direct plea to Constance.
Appealing directly, she said: "As a mum, I would like to make a direct appeal to Constance. Constance, I know this is an exceptionally hard time for you and you are likely feeling scared but I promise that our number one priority is the same as yours – to keep your beautiful new born safe.
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"As you know, it’s really important that both you and your baby are assessed by medical professionals as soon as possible so please make contact with emergency services or make your way to your nearest hospital, wherever that may be.
"I would also like to appeal to members of the public – not just in Bolton but across Greater Manchester and beyond."