Royal aide Lady Susan Hussey apologises for asking ‘where are you from’
Lady Susan Hussey apologised to the charity worker who accused her of racist ‘abuse’ for asking where she was from.
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The royal aide who resigned over the Buckingham Palace racism row has offered a personal and “sincere” apology after meeting with the charity boss who accused her of “abuse”.
Lady Susan Hussey who quit her honorary post as a Lady of the Household after “interrogating” Sistah Space founder Ngozi Fulani about where she was from at a Palace reception, today issued a statement released by Buckingham Palace saying, “Lady Susan has offered her sincere apologies for the comments that were made and the distress caused to Ms Fulani.
“Lady Susan has pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area,” it read.
“Ms Fulani, who has unfairly received the most appalling torrent of abuse on social media and elsewhere, has accepted this apology and appreciates that no malice was intended.”
The statement said a meeting “filled with warmth and understanding” between Lady Hussey, 83, who is the Prince of Wales’s godmother and a former lady-in-waiting, and Ms Fulani, took place today at Buckingham Palace.
“The Royal Households will continue their focus on inclusion and diversity, with an enhanced program of work which will extend knowledge and training programs, examining what can be learnt from Sistah Space, and ensuring these reach all members of their communities,” the statement added.
“Both Ms Fulani and Lady Susan ask now that they be left in peace to rebuild their lives in the wake of an immensely distressing period for them both.”
The Palace also said the pair agreed that they hope their example is used to find a resolution “with kindness, co-operation and the condemnation of discrimination wherever it takes root.”
“Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort and other members of the Royal Family have been kept fully informed and are pleased that both parties have reached this welcome outcome,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
Previously the palace had said The Prince of Wales said “racism has no place in our society”, adding: “The comments were unacceptable.”
Ms Fulani said she felt “violated” after being repeatedly asked about what country she came from, despite being born in the UK and stating multiple times that she was.
The campaigner said Lady Hussey also moved her hair to look at her name badge. She added: “That’s a no-no. I wouldn’t put my hands in someone’s hair, and culturally it’s not appropriate.”
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Originally published as Royal aide Lady Susan Hussey apologises for asking ‘where are you from’
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