From Kasaragod to Buckingham Palace: Meet the Malayali woman assisting King Charles III

Kasaragod, Kerala: Kasaragod native Muna Shamsuddin has made her mark on the world stage, proudly serving as the assistant private secretary to King Charles III of Britain. This prestigious appointment, made last year, has not only brought honour to her family but also to the entire Malayali community.

Muna’s journey to this remarkable position is a testament to her hard work and dedication. After completing her studies in Mathematics and Engineering at the University of Nottingham, she joined the British Foreign Service, quickly rising through the ranks. Her career has seen her serve in key diplomatic roles, including as Consulate General in Jerusalem and Deputy Head of Mission in Karachi, Pakistan.

In her current role, Muna is entrusted with managing official events for King Charles and accompanies the monarch on international trips. Her responsibilities reflect the trust placed in her by the British royal family, recognizing her diplomatic skills and dedication to public service.

Muna was appointed to the role last year while working at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London. Her husband, David, is a UN official.

Kerala roots

Muna is daughter of late Dr. Puthiyapurayil Shamsuddin, a respected lawyer with a distinguished career in the US, Britain, and Saudi Arabia. Her father, son of late Advocate P. Ahmed, a prominent lawyer, and her extended family have long been known for their contributions to various fields.

Dr. Shamsuddin’s brother, Advocate P. Abdul Hameed’s son and Kasaragod businessman Mohammed Sameer, told Mathrubhumi that Muna used to visit Kasaragod every year with her family when she was a child. The last time she visited was 10 years ago.