King Charles III will today be mourning the loss of his close friend, Kuldip Singh Dhillon.
It is understood that Mr Dhillon died while on a trip to India earlier this week. The close friend of King Charles III, as well as his two sons Prince William and Prince Harry, was 72-years-old.
Charles reportedly referred to Mr Dhillon as ‘Sooty’, which was deemed “unacceptable”.
Speaking in 2009, Dhillon – who was also pals with Camilla since the early 1970s – said his nickname was acceptable.
He said: “I have to say that you know you have arrived when you acquire a nickname.”
Kuldip Singh Dhillon has died aged 72 (Image: GETTY)
Prince Harry pictured with Kuldip Singh Dhillon (Image: GETTY)
Five ways the Royal Family have subtly hit back at Harry and Meghan’s claims
The Royal Family has maintained a dignified silence in the wake of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s most recent revelations.
But keen-eyed royal watchers have noticed some subtle digs from the House of Windsor.
He added that he enjoyed being called Sooty by his friends, adding that it is “a term of affection with no offence meant or felt”.
Speaking of the King, he said that Charles is a “man of zero prejudice” and has always been “most respectful”
“The Prince of Wales is a man of zero prejudice and both his sons have always been most respectful.”
Mr Dhillon served as chairman of the Cirencester Park Polo Club, which is close to Highgrove, and was friends with Charles and his sons.
Speaking since his “shock” death, Mark Hayden-Kellard, the ex-general manager of Cirencester Polo Club, said: “We’re extremely sad – he will be missed enormously.
“He was a huge character around here and we all loved him dearly.
“We’ve all been really affected by it.
“He was only 72 and in good health so it’s come as quite a shock to all of us here at the Polo Club.
He was close friends with the King (Image: PA)
He added they the club will be “doing something” soon that will “honour his memory”.
Speaking at the time of the race row, Clarence House issued a statement, which read: “No one has been more of an advocate for the understanding and tolerance of various religious and ethnic groups than the Prince of Wales and his track record speaks volumes on this issue.
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
