Lady Susan Hussey, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s lady-in-waiting, has stepped down from her role as a royal aide after a Black charity founder said she was questioned about whether she was “really British” during a royal reception.
The 83-year-old staff member quit after repeatedly questioning Ngozi Fulani, chief executive of the UK charity Sistah Space, about her background during a recent dinner at Buckingham Palace.
Fulani said she was “totally stunned” by the comments made by Prince William’s godmother, and found it “such a struggle to stay in the space that (she was) violated in,” adding: “I think it is essential to acknowledge that trauma has occurred and being invited and then insulted has caused much damage.”
Fulani, who founded Sistah Space in 2015 to provide support for African and Caribbean heritage women affected by domestic abuse, was one of 300 invited guests present at Camilla’s first solo outing since becoming Queen Consort.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement to the BBC on Wednesday (Nov. 30), saying: “We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details.”
A spokesperson for her godson, the Prince of Wales, said it was “really disappointing” to hear what had happened. “Obviously, I wasn’t there, but racism has no place in our society,” the Kensington Palace spokesperson said. “The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect.”
Before the Queen’s death, Hussey—according to Tatler—was known as the palace’s “number one head girl” and was previously described as “one of the key trusted figures helping the Queen in her later life”. She began working at the palace in 1960, and was by the Queen’s side for every major event from then on, including Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021.
“We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said. “In this instance, unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments have been made. We have reached out to Ngozi Fulani on this matter, and are inviting her to discuss all elements of her experience in person if she wishes.
“In the meantime, the individual concerned would like to express her profound apologies for the hurt caused and has stepped aside from her honorary role with immediate effect. All members of the Household are being reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies which they are required to uphold at all times.”
It comes after Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, alleged that a royal household member issued concerns about what colour skin her son Archie would have before he was born during her shocking interview with Oprah last year.
Sistah Space said they would not be naming the household member, adding: “We at Sistah Space would like to raise awareness about this issue rather than shame another individual.”
