Speaking in a preview of an interview to air on theTODAYshow on Monday, the younger brother ofPrincess Dianatold Cynthia McFadden about the experience during his childhood at one of England’s most prestigious boarding schools.
“We were locked away. We were like prisoners,” the historian, 59, told McFadden. “We were preyed to very bad people’s worst instincts.”
The 9th Earl Spencer, who appeared on the show ahead of the release of his new memoir,A Very Private School, went on to share that the first person he ever told about the abuse was “a therapist when I was about 42.”
Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer in 2015.Amanda Edwards/WireImage
Amanda Edwards/WireImage
Maidwell Hall, the school that Spencer attended, told TODAY in a statement that they have notified the local authorities to investigate possible crimes against children. They are also encouraging anyone with a past experience to come forward.
Charles Spencer and Princess Diana.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Also on Friday, Spencer shared afamily photofrom his childhood on Instagram.
“I’m not sure I’m being entirely helpful, in this family shot from 1966, but I’m sharing it because I think it’s the only shot I have of my parents, my sisters and me together; mainly because it was usually my father behind the lens,” he wrote in the caption.
“A happy moment at my childhood home - Park House, Sandringham - from long ago,” he added.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
