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The Royals issue urgent statement after long-time staffer quits amid racism allegations

royals racist
Royals issue statement amid racism accusationsWPA Pool

A long-serving member of the royal household, Lady Susan Hussey, who was the late Queen's lady-in-waiting has stepped down from her position after a charity boss, Ngozi Fulani, tweeted that she was repeatedly questioned about race by the Palace employee.

Fulani (who heads up Sistah Space - which offers specialist support for African and Caribbean heritage women affected by abuse) alleges that Lady Hussey "approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge" and then asked several times where she was "really from... where do your people come from" – an experience that Fulani says left her with "mixed feelings" about her visit to Buckingham Palace.

Now, King Charles III, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales' spokesperson has issued a statement condemning racism in all forms and said the comments made by the prince's godmother were "unacceptable and deeply regrettable".

"Racism has no place in our society," the statement adds. "The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect."

In full, the response from Buckingham Palace reads: "We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details. 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.

lady susan hussey
Max Mumby/Indigo

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

Fulani was in attendance at the Palace as part of an event hosted by the Camilla, Queen Consort, centred on the "global pandemic of violence against women".

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