Lady Susan Hussey, Aide To British Royal Family, Resigns After ‘Unacceptable’ Racist Comments

A senior aide to the royal family has resigned after making some “unacceptable” comments to a black woman who visited Buckingham Palace.

Lady Susan Hussey, a close aide to the late Queen, apologized and stepped down from her position after making “offensive” remarks to Ngozi Fulani, founder of the charity Sistah Space.

Hussey is Prince William’s godmother.

Fulani posted about the interaction to Twitter via her organization’s account, saying she had “mixed feelings” about the royal visit. She wrote out the conversation that took place when Hussey approached her at the event.

According to the post, the 83-year-old aide asked Fulani “what part of Africa are YOU from?” and continued to press her when Fulani repeatedly answered that she was British.

She detailed the following interaction:

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

Me: ‘My people,’ lady, what is this?
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?”

Fulani spoke to the Independent about the incident, saying the conversation left her “in shock.”

“I had to consider so many things,” she said. “As a black person, I found myself in this place where I wanted to say something but what happened would automatically be seen as my fault, it would bring Sistah Space down.”

Buckingham Palace has since released a statement, calling Hussey’s comments “unacceptable and deeply regrettable.”

“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,” the statement said. “All members of the household are being reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies which they are required to uphold at all times.”

After an outpouring of support, Sistah Space said they did not want to shame the perpetrator, and asked that “this be handled kindly.”