Close pal of Charles, William and Harry dies suddenly at 72 in huge blow to royals
A POLO-PLAYING pal of Charles, William and Harry who was the centre of a Royal Family race row has died.
Indian-born Kuldip Singh Dhillon, 72, sparked a race row after it emerged Charles 'affectionately' called him 'Sooty' due to his dark skin.
Dhillon served as chairman of the Cirencester Park Polo Club close to Highgrove, and pals with the three then-princes.
In 2009 the 'Sooty' nickname was branded "distasteful" and "unacceptable" even though Dhillon said he felt no offence.
Wealthy property developer Dhilion died while on a trip to India earlier this week, it is understood.
Mark Hayden-Kellard, 60, ex-general manager of Cirencester Polo Club, said: "We're extremely sad - he will be missed enormously.
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"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.
"We'll certainly be doing something in the coming days to honour his memory."
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Defending the royals 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.
"I enjoy being called Sooty by my friends who I am sure universally use the name as a term of affection with no offence meant or felt.
"The Prince of Wales is a man of zero prejudice and both his sons have always been most respectful."