According to a former adviser to the late Queen, Lady Susan Hussey has been “thrown under the bus” in the midst of a royal race controversy.
The lady-in-waiting for Elizabeth II resigned from her newly created position as lady of the household yesterday after making “unacceptable and extremely regrettable statements” by asking a black British-born visitor where she “actually came from” at a Buckingham Palace reception.
The event cast doubt on the first day of Prince William and Kate’s trip to the United States for the Earthshot Prize presentation and has led to claims of “institutional racism” against the monarchy.
Lady Susan’s abrupt departure, according to a former close aide to the late king, was a “huge overreaction.”
They stated to the Daily Mail: “Without a doubt, Lady Susan has been mistreated, and the response has been greatly exaggerated.
“Nobody spoke up and said, “Wait a minute, this is a woman who has traveled to every country on Earth and has interacted with people from every cultural background. Is it really conceivable that she would act in a racist manner on purpose? In my opinion, no.”
Concern at Lady Susan’s hasty departure was also voiced by another seasoned courtier.
“Where is their obligation of care and compassion toward a dearly cherished staff member who has led an exceptional life of service and devotion to the monarchy?” they questioned.
“The institution’s reputation as well as Lady Susan’s is hurt by the haste with which this has happened.
“Why wasn’t there any type of methodical, careful investigation? Instead, it appears that social media has been what has sparked the response.”
At the Queen Consort’s reception on violence against women on Tuesday, Lady Susan had the opportunity to meet Ngozi Fulani, the founder and CEO of Sistah Space.
Later, the director of a domestic abuse organization posted information about an exchange on social media.
When Ms. Fulani claimed she was British, “Lady SH” allegedly persistently questioned her about her “true origins.”
She called the event a “violation,” claimed it would “never leave me,” and demonstrated that “nothing has changed.”
She continued: “Before you can even respond to the suffering of racism, there are so many things to take into account. Can you picture it? I’m still absorbing what happened.”
Later, she revealed to the Independent: “This involves more than just one person. Institutional racism is the cause.”
Lady Susan, the godmother of the Prince of Wales and the former lady in waiting to the late Queen for more than 60 years, has resigned from her honorary position as one of the three ladies of the household who have recently been appointed to assist the King at formal occasions. She has also apologized for making the “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments.”
Just months into Charles’s reign, Buckingham Palace stated it took the event “very seriously” and had launched an investigation right away.
In a statement, it was said: “In this case, remarks have been made that are improper and extremely unfortunate. We have contacted Ngozi Fulani about this and are extending an invitation to her to talk about every aspect of her experience in person if she chooses.
“The person in question has resigned from her honorary position with immediate effect while expressing her sincere regret for the harm she has caused.
“The diversity and inclusivity standards, which all members of the Household are obligated to maintain at all times, are being reminded to them once again,” the statement reads.
William is said to concur that his godmother Lady Susan’s resignation was the proper course of action.
One from Kensington Palace said: “No room for racism in our culture. Because of the offensive remarks, it is appropriate that the person has resigned with immediate effect.”
“Charles and William’s problem is that the spotlight is already shifting from the acts of one woman to broader questions about whether Buckingham Palace is institutionally racist,” former BBC royal journalist Peter Hunt said.
In her and Prince Harry’s Oprah Winfrey interview from last year, Meghan Markle accused an unnamed royal of racism against her unborn son Archie.
