Rajeev Shukla Gifts King Charles III His Book Scars of 1947 During Team India's Visit to Clarence House
London | July 15, 2025 — In a symbolic gesture connecting sports, history, and diplomacy, Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), presented King Charles III with a deeply personal and historical gift — his book Scars of 1947: Real Partition Stories. The presentation took place during a special gathering hosted by the Monarch at Clarence House, where both India’s men's and women's national cricket teams were present.
The meeting comes at a crucial moment in Team India's UK tour, with the fourth test match against England just days away.
A Historical Gesture Amid Royal Reception
Team India, led by captain Shubman Gill, was hosted at Clarence House following their narrow 22-run defeat to England in the third test at Lord’s. The atmosphere, however, was far from somber. Players, coaching staff, and BCCI officials including Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia and Vice President Rajeev Shukla, were welcomed warmly by King Charles III.
In a video shared by news agency ANI, Rajeev Shukla is seen having a cordial conversation with the King in the serene gardens of Clarence House. During this moment, Shukla presented the Monarch with a signed copy of Scars of 1947, a book he authored based on real-life accounts from the traumatic Partition of India.
“The book shares harrowing yet humanizing stories of survivors from 1947,” Shukla said. “It reflects on the deep scars left behind by the division, while also highlighting instances of compassion that emerged in the darkest of times.”
King Charles III Praised for Knowledge and Humility
What caught many off-guard was the King’s detailed knowledge of cricket and the Indian team. Speaking to ANI, Shukla recounted how the King inquired about Indian fast bowler Akash Deep’s sister’s health, and even expressed sympathy over Mohammed Siraj’s controversial dismissal at Lord’s.
“He asked specific, thoughtful questions. He even spoke about Siraj’s unlucky dismissal,” said Shukla. “It didn’t feel like we were speaking with the King of England. His humility stood out.”
The Vice President also added that the team felt “very comfortable and honoured” by the King's interest in their journey and performance.
Bridging Sports and Shared History
The gift of Scars of 1947 is more than a symbolic gesture. It taps into the complex colonial legacy shared by India and the United Kingdom. The Partition of British India, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan (and later Bangladesh), remains one of the most painful chapters in the subcontinent’s history.
Rajeev Shukla’s book recounts firsthand stories of those who lived through the horror, displacement, and violence. The collection also celebrates moments of unexpected kindness, where individuals risked their lives to save others across communal lines.
The choice to gift this book to King Charles III reflects a conscious effort to engage with shared history through dialogue, rather than forgetting it. It also highlights Shukla’s dual identity — as a political leader, cricket administrator, and now, an author chronicling India’s past.
What’s Next for Team India?
While the royal meeting provided a refreshing pause, the focus now shifts to the fourth and final test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Scheduled for July 23, 2025, the match will decide the series which currently sees England in the lead.
Team India, despite recent setbacks, remains optimistic. Captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and noted that the meeting with the King had been a morale booster.
A Moment to Remember
The intersection of royalty and cricket is rare, and moments like these are even rarer. From exchanging books that reflect on the wounds of the past to sharing laughs about cricketing moments, the interaction between Team India and King Charles III will be remembered as more than just a formal engagement.
As for Rajeev Shukla, the moment underscored his multidimensional persona — cricket administrator, politician, and historian — offering a narrative that extends far beyond the boundary line.