Giles Pegram, the former fundraising director of the NSPCC, has revealed his distress over Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson’s involvement in the Full Stop campaign against child abuse, considering their connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Full Stop Campaign Overshadowed

The Full Stop campaign, which raised over £250 million, has been significantly impacted by the scandal surrounding Epstein’s crimes and his associates. Pegram, who led fundraising for the campaign, now experiences sleepless nights reflecting on the contrast between Andrew’s advocacy for child protection and his association with Epstein.

High-Profile Support and Early Connections

Launched in 1999, the Full Stop campaign was one of the NSPCC’s most ambitious initiatives. It garnered substantial support from celebrities and politicians, including Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson. Andrew even featured on the cover of Hello! magazine with Nicole Kidman to promote the cause.

Buckingham Palace Lunch

Pegram recalls that the first known meeting between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein likely occurred during a lunch at Buckingham Palace in 1999, organized in connection with the campaign. He stated that, with the benefit of hindsight, he would not have facilitated that meeting, given Epstein’s later conviction for sex trafficking.

Renewed Scrutiny and Condemnation

The revelation comes as previously sealed court documents related to Epstein’s network have been released, including a photograph of Andrew, Mandelson, and Epstein in Martha’s Vineyard. Pegram described the situation as ‘horrible’ and expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims, emphasizing that past actions cannot justify the abuse they endured.

NSPCC Response

The NSPCC has condemned the “world of power, privilege, and wealth” that enabled Epstein’s crimes, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable women and girls. The Full Stop campaign, which ran for a decade, aimed to change public perceptions of child abuse through impactful advertising and endorsements.

Tarnished Legacy and Betrayal of Trust

The campaign’s launch event in 1999 was attended by prominent figures such as Tony Blair, William Hague, and members of Boyzone and the Spice Girls. However, the campaign’s legacy has been damaged by the revelations surrounding Epstein and his associates. Pegram, who dedicated 30 years to child protection, lamented the betrayal of trust, especially given the NSPCC’s mission to safeguard children.

While the campaign achieved significant fundraising success, its association with individuals linked to Epstein has cast a shadow over its accomplishments. The NSPCC has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting abuse victims and advocating for accountability for those who enabled Epstein’s crimes.