Lady Susan Hussey has been “thrown under the bus” in the midst of a royal racial dispute, according to a former adviser to the late Queen. The lady-in-waiting for Elizabeth II resigned as the lady of the household yesterday after making “unacceptable and regrettable statements” during a Buckingham Palace reception by asking a black British-born visitor where she “really came from.”
The incident tainted the first day of Prince William and Kate’s vacation to the United States for the presentation of the Earthshot Prize. It prompted accusations of “institutional racism” against the monarchy.
According to a former close assistant to the late queen, Lady Susan’s hasty departure was a “big overreaction.”
“Without a doubt, Lady Susan has been mistreated, and the response has been tremendously overblown,” they said.
“No one stepped up and said, ‘Wait a minute, this is a woman who has visited every country on the planet and dealt with people from every cultural background.’ Is it possible that she would intentionally act in a racist manner? No, in my opinion.”
Another seasoned courtier expressed concern over Lady Susan’s sudden departure.
“Where is their obligation of care and sympathy toward a greatly loved staff member who has led an exemplary life of service and commitment to the monarchy?” they wondered.
“The quickness with which this happened harms both the institution’s and Lady Susan’s reputation.”
“Why was there no methodical, careful investigation? Instead, it seems that social media is what prompted the reaction.”
Lady Susan met Ngozi Fulani, the creator, and CEO of Sistah Space, at the Queen Consort’s reception on violence against women on Tuesday.
Later, a domestic violence agency director shared details about the incident on social media.
When Ms. Fulani claimed to be British, “Lady SH” apparently interrogated her about her “real background.”
She referred to the incident as a “violation,” asserted that it would “never leave me,” and indicated that “nothing has changed.”
“There are so many things to consider before you can even respond to the agony of racism,” she concluded. ” Can you imagine it? “I’m still processing what happened.”
She later told the Independent, “This involves more than just one person. The root of the problem is institutional racism.”
Lady Susan, the Prince of Wales’ godmother and the late Queen’s former lady in-waiting for more than 60 years, has resigned from her honorary role as one of three ladies of the household newly appointed to assist the King at ceremonial occasions. She also apologized for her “unacceptable and extremely regrettable remarks.”
Only a few months into Charles’ reign, Buckingham Palace stated that it took the incident “extremely seriously” and immediately initiated an investigation.
“In this case, words that are incorrect and exceedingly regretful have been expressed,” according to a statement. We have contacted Ngozi Fulani about this and invite her to discuss every element of her experience in person if she so desires.
“The individual in question has resigned from her honorary position immediately, expressing her heartfelt apologies for the pain she has caused.”
“The diversity and inclusivity principles, which all members of the Household are required to maintain at all times,” according to the statement.
William agrees that his godmother Lady Susan’s resignation was the right thing to do.
“There is no tolerance for racism in our culture,” remarked one official from Kensington Palace. Because of the disrespectful remarks, the individual resigned immediately.”
“Charles and William’s dilemma is that the focus is already shifting away from one woman’s actions and toward bigger questions about whether Buckingham Palace is institutionally racist,” former BBC royal journalist Peter Hunt said.
Meghan Markle accused an unnamed royal of racism against her unborn son Archie in an interview with Oprah Winfrey last year.
