William’s godmother quits Palace role over ‘racist remarks’

Lady Susan Hussey repeatedly questioned a British domestic abuse campaigner about where she was ‘really’ from at a Buckingham Palace reception.

Lady Susan Hussey (far right) with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the State Opening Of Parliament. Picture: Getty Images.

One of the longest serving members of the Royal Household and a close confidant of the late Queen Elizabeth has been forced to resign from her Palace role after becoming embroiled in a racism row.

Lady Susan Hussey, Baroness Hussey of North Bradley.

Lady Susan Hussey, 83, was rebuked by her godson Prince William and resigned from the Household on Wednesday after it emerged she repeatedly questioned a British domestic abuse campaigner about where she was from at a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by Queen Consort Camilla.

Prince William, who is in Boston for his Earthshot prize awards night, moved quickly to distance the Royal Family from the remarks made by Lady Susan, who has been with the Royal Family for six decades.

He said through his spokesman: “I was really disappointed to hear about the guest’s experience at Buckingham Palace last night. 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.”

Mixed feelings about yesterday's visit to Buckingham Palace. 10 mins after arriving, a member of staff, Lady SH, approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.
Thanks @ManduReid & @SuzanneEJacob for support🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/OUbQKlabyq

— Sistah Space (@Sistah_Space) November 30, 2022

The royal family was accused of racism by Meghan Markle in her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey when she claimed a royal family member made a remark about the colour of her unborn child, Archie. This month Prince Harry and Meghan are to receive the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award for challenging the Royal Family’s power structure.

The campaigner, Ngozi Fulani, is a director of an east London charity Sistah Space, and was at the palace reception with 300 other women. Ms Fulani has previously congratulated Ms Markle for speaking out about racism, saying “Meghan is a survivor of domestic violence from her in-laws”.

Queen Elizabeth ll, accompanied by her lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey in 2012 in Windsor.

On Wednesday Ms Fulani tweeted she had mixed feelings after Lady Susan approached her at the palace event, where she moved her hair to see her name badge then asked: “Where are you really from?” after Ms Fulani said she was from the London area of Hackney.

Lady Susan allegedly persisted: “No but where do you really come from? Where do your people come from? When did you first come here?”

Lady Susan Hussey (Top row, 2L) with the royal family after Prince William’s confirmation. Picture: Getty Images.

Ms Fulani said she responded: “Lady! I am a British national, my parents came here in the 50s,” to which Lady Susan allegedly said: “I knew we’d get there in the end. You’re Caribbea”’. Ms Fulani replied: “No lady, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality.”

Buckingham Palace said the comments were “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”, and said Lady Susan has apologised and stepped down from her honorary post.

It added: “All members of the Household are being reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies which they are required to uphold at all times.”

Ms Fulani’s charity works with women of African and Caribbean heritage who have suffered domestic violence.