Rupert Soames, the chair of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has disclosed that he was abused as a child while attending a prep school, expressing no embarrassment about his experience.

Soames, Winston Churchill’s grandson, shared his candid reflections on the Crisis What Crisis? podcast.

Having attended Eton College as an older student, Soames clarified that the abuse occurred during his time at prep school between the ages of seven and twelve, stating that his experience at Eton was positive.

He characterized his upbringing as “very privileged” with a “generally fabulous education”, noting that the abuse was a “sin of boarding schools” with some teachers having an unhealthy interest in young boys.

Soames firmly stated he is not sorry for the abuse he experienced, only disclosing it because he is “completely unembarrassed” about it. He believes that talking about such experiences can prevent them from causing long-term psychological damage.

He acknowledges that while it was a difficult experience, it may have inadvertently taught him valuable coping mechanisms for life. Soames worries about individuals who have kept such experiences hidden and hopes that speaking about them can prevent the emotional “sepsis” he describes.

He confirmed the abuse was confronted, with a school master serving time in prison. His parents were aware but he emphasizes they never made him feel abandoned or unloved.

Soames credits his openness with building resilience and says it hasn’t had a significant impact on his daily life. He has a distinguished career as a business executive, having led companies like Serco and Aggreko before becoming CBI chair.