I know before we start, the crime at the heart of this episode is child sexual abuse.

And while I do not delve into any of the details, it still might be upsetting to some listeners.

Please take care.

Some crimes are so heartbreaking or shocking.

They change laws, change society, or even earn the

label, Crime of the Century. But the stories that made headlines and decades past aren't

necessarily remembered today. I'm Amber Hunt, a journalist and author, and in each episode of this show, I'll examine a case that's maybe lesser known today, but was huge when it happened.

This is Crimes of the Centuries. Margaret Thatcher, the so-called Iron Lady of British politics, was not going to let this go.

From almost the day she was first installed as Prime Minister in 1979 to her final day of serving in that role,

she repeatedly had her private secretaries lobby for Jimmy Saville to be knighted by the queen.

Apparently, that's a tradition there. In Britain, the prime minister submits a list of names for the monarch to approve.

And by the 1980s, Saville was widely regarded as a national treasure.

Thatcher was certain the eccentric broadcaster and tireless fundraiser deserved the honor.

She also considered him a friend.

He joined her at holiday gatherings and even spent a weekend with her at Checkers, the official prime ministerial residence outside London.

But when the PM first mentioned this knighthood matter to her advisors, they were not as enthusiastic.

According to Memo's exchange between her and her minions, one of her counselors reminded her that Saville was a strange and complex man and advised

against putting him forward. Another warned of unfortunate revelations in the press,

and suggested those lurid details shouldn't be tied to her name.

But she persisted.

Here's Lord Robin Butler, her private secretary.

Their relationship was pretty close.

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