Ex-NSPCC director regrets introducing Epstein-linked figures in 1999
A former director of the NSPCC has revealed his deep regret over introducing two high-profile figures who later faced scrutiny for their links to Jeffrey Epstein. Giles Pegram, who once led the charity, admitted he now suffers 'sleepless nights' over his decision to bring Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson together during a 1999 campaign launch.
The meeting took place at a private lunch hosted in Andrew’s Buckingham Palace apartment, marking the start of a partnership that would later raise millions for child protection causes. The Full Stop campaign, aimed at tackling child cruelty and abuse, launched in 1999 under Princess Margaret’s presidency. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor chaired the initiative from 1998 to 2004, while Peter Mandelson served as vice chair. Their first encounter happened at a lunch organised by Pegram, where political leaders like Tony Blair and William Hague also attended, alongside celebrities including Boyzone and Emma Bunton.
The campaign proved highly successful, raising over £250 million. Yet, Pegram now questions his role in uniting the two men, given their later connections to Epstein. The NSPCC has since expressed solidarity with Epstein’s victims, distancing itself from any controversy tied to the campaign’s former leaders. Pegram’s admission highlights the lingering unease over past associations within the charity’s history. The NSPCC continues to focus on its mission to combat child abuse, while the Full Stop campaign remains one of its most impactful fundraising efforts. The charity’s statement reaffirms its commitment to supporting survivors of abuse.
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