Ngozi Fulani, a prominent advocate against domestic violence, has come forward to address the disturbing comments reportedly made at Buckingham Palace, labeling them as a form of abuse.
Fulani, the founder of Sister Space, a non-profit organization, expressed her shock at the treatment she received from the late Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, during a recent event focused on violence against women and girls.
Despite the incident, Buckingham Palace has yet to reach out to Fulani for a discussion regarding the matter.
Lady Susan Hussey, an 83-year-old figure closely associated with the royal family, faced criticism after repeatedly questioning Fulani’s British identity at the reception.
Following the controversy, Lady Susan tendered her resignation from her position within the royal household.
Fulani, in response, emphasized the need for open dialogue and expressed her willingness to engage in discussions with the palace.
During an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Fulani shared her perspective on the incident, stating that while she did not experience physical violence, she perceived the encounter as a form of abuse.
She highlighted the discomfort she felt when Lady Susan singled her out among a group of black women present at the event, emphasizing that such actions were culturally inappropriate and disrespectful.
Addressing the issue of racism, Fulani dismissed age as a factor and emphasized that the focus should remain on supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
She underscored the importance of prioritizing the voices of women and girls affected by such issues, rather than allowing the conversation to be overshadowed by controversies surrounding race and cultural insensitivity.
Following the public outcry, Buckingham Palace took swift action, issuing a statement condemning the inappropriate remarks and confirming Lady Susan’s resignation.
The Palace acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and initiated an investigation into the incident.
Kensington Palace reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in society.
Amidst the unfolding events, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson refrained from commenting on Lady Susan’s departure, deferring the matter to the Palace.
The royal family, including the newly crowned King and Camilla, has been briefed on the situation.
However, the focus has shifted beyond individual actions to broader questions about the institutional culture at Buckingham Palace.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Peter Hunt highlighted the growing scrutiny on Buckingham Palace, raising concerns about systemic racism within the institution.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on the need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing issues of discrimination and abuse within royal circles.