Buckingham Palace household member resigns after alleged racist slur

LONDON

A member of Buckingham Palace resigned on Wednesday after allegedly questioning a Black charity member about her origins at an event, the palace confirmed.

The alleged racist incident took place at a reception held by Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Ngozi Fulani, chief executive of Sistah Space, a charity that supports women and families affected by domestic abuse, said she was asked by the household member where she "really came from" during the event.

"We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details,” a statement from the palace said.

"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.”

The individual who is identified by local media as 83-year-old Lady Susan Hussey, one of late Queen Elizabeth II’s trusted friends and Prince William's godmother, “would like to express her profound apologies for the hurt caused and has stepped aside from her honorary role with immediate effect,” according to the palace.

"All members of the Household are being reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies which they are required to uphold at all times."

During the incident, Lady Hussay allegedly asked Fulani "what nationality are you?," "where do your people come from?" and "what part of Africa are you from?"

She also allegedly said: "I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you're from. When did you first come here?"

Ngozi said in a web statement that she replied: "I am a British national, my parents came here in the 1950s."

"Oh, I knew we'd get there in the end, you're Caribbean," Hussey allegedly said.

Ngozi said she then corrected Hussey by saying that "No, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality."

The Buckingham Palace has been center of racism allegations especially after claims that a senior member of the royal family questioned the color of the baby of Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle before they left royal duties to settle in the US.