Kuldip Singh Dhillon
Kuldip Singh Dhillon (31 July 1950 – 18 January 2023), often known by the anglicised first name "Kolin", was an Indian-British property developer and polo player and official. He was the chairman of Cirencester Park Polo Club.[1]
Biography
Early life and career
Dhillon was born in Punjab, India on 31 July 1950.[2] He immigrated to Britain in 1955 when he was four years old. He lived initially in Warrington where his father owned a number of market stalls and it was in this town that he met his wife, Jacqueline, at a local disco. The couple started a family before moving[when?] to Gloucestershire, where they have since lived.
In the early 1970s, he became friends with the Parker-Bowles couple.
Dhillon also served as chairman of the Schools and Universities Polo Association and a director and player at Cirencester Park.[3]
"Sooty" controversy
A board member and player at
A spokesman for a group called "
Labour MP Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, reacted, "I do worry about the choice of these nicknames which they regard as terms of endearment and affection but which members of the public will regard as being offensive and distasteful."[7]
Dhillon defended the Prince of Wales:
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.[5]
Personal life and death
Dhillon had three daughters and one son, Satnam, in addition to helping his father run his property empire, is also a former player for the English national polo team.[4] The firm's main offices are in Cheltenham.[3]
Dhillon died on 18 January 2023, at the age of 72.[2]
References
- ^ Davies, Gareth A. "Kuldip Dhillon: Cirencester Park Polo Club will remain 'one of the big three clubs'", The Telegraph, 13 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Kuldip Singh Dhillon obituary". The Times. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
- ^ a b c Pierce, Andrew (13 January 2009). "The Duchess of Cornwall called him Sooty first". London: The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 21 January 2009. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
- ^ a b c Pierce, Andrew; Lamb, Christopher (14 January 2009). "Prince Charles' friend 'Sooty' says Royal is not a racist". London: The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 19 January 2009. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
- ^ a b Jones, Tony (14 January 2009). "'Sooty' defends Prince Charles". The Independent. London. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
- ^ Jones, Tony (13 January 2009). "Prince Charles 'calls Asian friend Sooty'". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
- ^ "Prince defended by friend 'Sooty'". BBC. 13 January 2009. Retrieved 14 January 2009.