Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother, reveals childhood sexual abuse – Times of India
Earl Spencer, Princess Diana's younger brother, reveals childhood sexual abuse The Times of India
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Sexual Abuse Revealed in Earl Spencer’s Memoir
In a harrowing revelation in his upcoming memoir, Earl Spencer, the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, has disclosed that he was sexually abused as a child during his time at boarding school.
Abuse at Maidwell Hall
Earl Spencer shared an excerpt from his memoir in the Mail on Sunday, where he recounted being preyed upon by a female staff member at Maidwell Hall, located in Northamptonshire, during the 1970s. He claims that the abuse commenced when he was merely 11 years old.
Maidwell Hall has responded, acknowledging the gravity of learning about Earl Spencer’s ordeal, calling it “sobering.” The institution also noted that any claims of sexual abuse have been directed to a designated officer from the local authority.
Earl Spencer was a student at Maidwell Hall from eight to 13 years of age. In his upcoming book titled A Very Private School, he accuses a female staff member, whom he labels as a “voracious paedophile,” of grooming and assaulting him along with other boys during nighttime in their dormitory. He has concluded that the accused staff member is now either residing overseas or has passed away, as reported by the Mail.
Allegations against Headmaster John Porch
Additionally, Earl Spencer claimed that the school’s headmaster at the time, John Porch, was responsible for “brutal beatings,” suspecting that Porch found “sexual pleasure from the violence.” An obituary from January 2022 in his alma mater’s newsletter confirmed Mr. Porch’s death.
Reflecting on his experiences at Maidwell has been described by Earl Spencer as an “absolutely hellish experience.”
Maidwell School’s Response
Maidwell School issued a statement to the Mail, expressing difficulty in confronting past practices once deemed normal and acceptable. They highlighted the substantial evolution in almost all aspects of school life since the 1970s, emphasizing the importance of child safeguarding and welfare.
Earl Spencer Today
Earl Spencer has since grown up and currently resides in Althorp House, a vast 13,000-acre Northamptonshire estate that has belonged to the Spencer family for half a millennium and serves as the final resting place for Princess Diana. Following his stint at Maidwell, he proceeded to study at Eton College.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | – The article mentions Earl Spencer’s experience at Maidwell Hall, a boarding school, highlighting the importance of quality education and the need for child safeguarding and welfare. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | – Earl Spencer discloses being sexually abused by a female staff member at Maidwell Hall, highlighting the issue of gender-based violence. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Earl Spencer’s experience of sexual abuse as a child at Maidwell Hall highlights the need to address and prevent abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. |
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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