A Royal Snub: When Ratan Tata Ditched Honour at Buckingham Palace For His Dogs Tango And Tito

New Delhi: Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, who passed away on Wednesday, leaves behind a remarkable legacy defined not only by his numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan but also by his profound humanity. His deep affection for dogs and his quiet strength stood out in a life dedicated to service and compassion.

N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, expressed the collective grief felt by many, stating, “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Tata’s love for dogs was a defining aspect of his life. Living with his beloved German Shepherd, Tito, and Golden Retriever, Tango, he openly shared the emotional impact of losing his pets. “My love for dogs as pets is ever strong and will continue for as long as I live,” he reflected in a recent interview with Tata Review. He candidly spoke about the sadness that accompanied each loss, acknowledging that the quietness of his home often led him to welcome another dog into his life, ensuring his home was filled with love and companionship.

When Ratan Tata Cancelled His Trip to England For Tango And Tito

Once upon a time, just before his highly anticipated trip to Buckingham Palace, Ratan Tata faced a personal dilemma—his beloved dog, Tito, had fallen gravely ill. For Tata, the prestigious honor of being recognized by the British royal family paled in comparison to the well-being of his cherished pets.

“Tango and Tito, his dogs, one of them had fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him and come,” Tata famously conveyed to businessman, columnist, and actor Suhel Seth over the phone. Seth, who was in London for the award ceremony, was surprised to receive this heartfelt message from Tata himself, informing him that he would not be attending.

But the story didn’t end there. When Prince Charles learned of Tata's reason for skipping the event, he responded with understanding and admiration. “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is. That’s why Tata's house is what it is. That’s why it’s on a stable course,” Seth recalled the prince saying.

Tata's Commitment to Animal Welfare

At the Tata Group’s Bombay House headquarters, Tata’s commitment to animal welfare was evident, as the facility provided food, water, toys, and a play area for stray dogs—a tradition dating back to Jamsetji Tata’s era. His support extended to various animal welfare organizations, including People for Animals, Bombay SPCA, and Animal Rahat, showcasing his belief in the importance of compassion for all living beings.

Ratan Tata, a teetotaler and non-smoker who chose to remain single, led a life that prioritized actions over words. His legacy will forever be remembered not just for his business acumen, but for the kindness and love he showed to his four-legged companions and his commitment to making the world a better place.

Ratan Tata served as the Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 until his retirement in December 2012, after which he was honoured with the title of Chairman Emeritus. His leadership was marked by international recognition, including being appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rockefeller Foundation. He held honorary fellowships from esteemed institutions and was awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, both in India and abroad.