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Prince William’s godmother and Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, has met with black British charity boss, Ngozi Fulani, today to apologise in person for repeatedly asking her ‘what part of Africa are you from?’ at a royal reception.
The 83-year-old, who served the late Queen for six decades, stepped down from her honorary role ‘with immediate effect’ amid an outcry after Ms Fulani tweeted about her experience at the event last month Ngozi Fulani, was visiting the palace for an event on behalf of domestic abuse charity Sistah Space, to mark the UN’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
She said she was quizzed over her nationality at a reception by the royal household employee.
While it was an honour to be there, she said she was horrified when Lady Hussey approached her, moved her hair to see her name badge and asked: “Where do your people come from?”
She said the woman repeatedly questioned what part of Africa she was from and when she first came to the UK. She said the experience, just 10 minutes after arriving, left her with “mixed feelings” about the royal visit.
Reacting to Ngozi’s story, Prince William criticised his godmother’s ‘unacceptable comments,’ saying ‘racism has no place in our society’.
After the public outcry, Lady Susan requested to meet Ms Fulani in person to issue an apology for her comments.
The meeting took place at Buckingham Palace and the former aide expressed her ‘sincere apologies’.
The Palace in a statement said that the King and Queen Consort were ‘pleased that both parties have reached this welcome outcome’, and criticised the ‘torrent of abuse’ Miss Fulani has since received on social media.
‘At this meeting, filled with warmth and understanding, Lady Susan offered her sincere apologies for the comments that were made and the distress they 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.
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.