The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:50 PM
Princess Diana's Private Secretary Visits Knoxville Over Weekend To Share Stories, Pictures Of Late Monarch
"She said 'Patrick, we're going to conquer the world,'" said Patrick Jephson, Princess Diana's private secretary.
The event was a fundraiser for the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.
"It's a terrific cause and yet another reason people should come to Knoxville, and people who live here should treasure where they live and especially treasure their museum," said Jephson.
Jewelry was up for sale. They were collections Jewelry Television said was inspired by the princess.
"The photographs are wonderful in their own right and they've also been used, I think, for inspiration for jewelry," said Jephson.
Even though her life was tragically cut short, Jephson said she lives on through her legacy. Princess Di has won accolades like the Humanitarian of the Year Award but didn't find herself to be deserving of such an honor.
"She said 'No, Patrick I haven't earned it, but I'm working on it,'" recalled Jephson. "She was very modest and realized to be a good princess, you have to work hard."
It's events like Sunday's fundraiser that remind Jephson of Princess Diana's character.
"It's always fascinating to learn how much Princess Diana is still alive in people's mind," said Jephson.
With the upcoming royal wedding, Jephson said he knows she's in heaven, looking down on Prince Harry with a smile.
"I'm quite sure should would be very proud of what they're achieving," said Jephson.
The royal wedding is set for May 19, 2018 at the Windsor Castle in England.