Patrick is a consultant, journalist, broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author, based in Washington DC. He writes, presents and advises on factual and drama programs, appearing on every major US network as well as international platforms. He is currently a historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series The Crown.
His byline has appeared in every major UK newspaper and international titles as varied as TIME magazine, Vanity Fair, People, The Spectator, Paris Match,Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and the National Catholic Reporter. He is also a published authority on corporate and personal branding, addressing conferences worldwide as well as events at the US State Department, the American University and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Patrick owes much of his practical communications experience to Princess Diana, who chose him to be her equerry and only private secretary/chief of staff. He served the Princess for eight years (1988-96), responsible for every aspect of her public life, worldwide humanitarian initiatives, and private organization. Under relentless media scrutiny, his tenure covered the period of Princess Diana’s greatest popularity as well as the constitutional controversy of her separation from Prince Charles.
Patrick was born and raised in Ireland and holds a master’s degree in Political Science from Cambridge University. A keen amateur historian, his ancestors include notable courtiers to Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and William III. As an officer in the British Royal Navy he served all over the world before being selected for royal duty. In March 2015 he became a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Patrick is currently working on a variety of publishing and television projects in the UK, USA and Australia. A qualified private pilot, he has recently added travel writing to his portfolio of work.
He is married to Mary Jo Jacobi who was an advisor to Presidents Reagan and Bush. They have homes in London and the USA.
Contract Agent: info@knightayton.co.uk