When Ratan Tata Refused To Attend ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ Event In London Over His Dog’s Health

Ratan Tata, the esteemed chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away late Wednesday night at the age of 86. He was receiving treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. In the tapestry of Ratan Tata's remarkable life, one story of kindness and loyalty stands out, showcasing his deep affection for his pets. 

In 2018, then-Prince Charles of the United Kingdom planned to honor Tata for his exceptional philanthropic contributions at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The event, scheduled for February 6, 2018, was set to present Tata with a lifetime achievement award under the auspices of the British Asian Trust.

Excited about the recognition, Tata was initially delighted to attend the prestigious event. However, he made the last-minute decision to cancel his trip for a deeply personal reason: his beloved dog, Tito, had fallen gravely ill. As businessman and columnist Suhel Seth, who was in London for the award ceremony, later recounted, Tata told him over the phone, “I can’t leave him and come.”

When Prince Charles learned of Tata's decision, he expressed understanding and admiration. “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is. That’s why the house of Tata is what it is. That’s why it’s on stable course,” Seth recalled the prince saying.