Prince William’s godmother has resigned from her duties at Buckingham Palace after repeatedly asking a black visitor “where she really came from”.

Lady Susan Hussey, 83, quit after repeatedly questioning Ngozi Fulani, chief executive of charity Sistah Space, during a reception at the palace on Tuesday.

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 comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect,” the Kensington Palace spokesperson said.

Ms Fulani works as an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse and described the exchange as a “violation”.

She wrote on Twitter that Lady Hussey, who she refers to as ‘Lady SH’, “approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge” and then insisted on asking her “what part of Africa are you from”.

Despite her saying she is British, the aide said: “I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from.”

It comes after Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, claimed last year that a member of the royal household raised concerns about what colour skin her son Archie would have before he was born.

CONVERSATION WITH LADY SUSAN HUSSEY AS REPORTED BY NGOZI FULANI
Lady SH: “Where are you from?”

Ms Fulani: “Sistah Space.”

Lady SH: “No where do you come from?

Ms Fulani: “We’re based in Hackney.”

Lady SH: “No, what part of Africa are YOU from?”

Ms Fulani: “I don’t know, they didn’t leave any records.”

Lady SH: “Well, you must know where you’re from, I spent time in France. Where are you from?”

Ms Fulani: “Here, UK”

Lady SH: “No, but what Nationality are you?”

Ms Fulani: “I am born here and am British.”

Lady SH: “No, but where do you really come from, where do your people come from?”

Ms Fulani: “‘My people’, lady, what is this?”

Lady SH: “Oh I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from. When did you first come here?”

Ms Fulani: “Lady! I am a British national, my parents came here in the 50’s when…”

Lady SH: “Oh, I knew we’d get there in the end, you’re Caribbean!”

Ms Fulani: “No lady, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality.”

Lady SH: “Oh so you’re from….”

Buckingham Palace said of Tuesday’s events: “We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details.

“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.”

In an interview with LBC, Ms Fulani said “nobody from the palace has spoken to me”, but she would be “happy to have a conversation to bring about a positive solution”.

Reflecting further, she said: “To be honest I wish that the lady could be spoken to and know the damage she has caused and preferably not be front-facing.

“But for her to resign, that has nothing to do with me. I don’t feel good about that. She’s an elder and in my culture we respect elders.

“Conversations need to be had with the relevant people so this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”

In comments to the Independent website she said: “This is bigger than one individual. It’s institutional racism… This incident is unfortunate and shows that nothing has changed.”

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