Jan 7, 2009, 10:01 GMT
Britain's Sarah Ferguson is said to have predicted the demise of Waterford Wedgwood seven years ago.
The Duchess of York stepped down from her position as the international ambassador of the china company - which fell into administration on Monday (05.01.09) - in 2002 because she felt uncomfortable drawing her £500,000 salary.
Her spokesman said: "She could see the way things were going from the confidential company information that she had access to."
The duchess stayed friends with company chairman Tony O'Reilly - who helped her through her financial problems in the late 90s, offering her lucrative positions at the china maker and diet company Weight Watchers - and continued to promote the company free of charge.
The spokesman said: "She stayed on good terms with Tony O'Reilly and continued to speak up for his company at every opportunity."
After the 2001 terrorist attack in New York, Sarah advised Americans to start using their treasured Wedgwood more often.
She said: "If September 11 taught us anything, it was to honour the moment. It's so important to not just wait for Thanksgiving. Let's get today and cherish the moment. Use your china."
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