Lady Susan Hussey has met charity boss Ngozi Fulani to apologise for repeatedly asking “What part of Africa are you from?” during a Buckingham Palace event last month. In a statement today the Firm announced the founder of Sistah Space, met Lady Susan at the palace, adding: “At this meeting, filled with warmth and understanding, Lady Susan offered her sincere apologies for the comments that were made and the distress they caused to Ms Fulani.
“Lady Susan has pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area
“Ms Fulani, who has unfairly received the most appalling torrent of abuse on social media and elsewhere, has accepted this apology and appreciates that no malice was intended.”
The statement added that both Ms Fulani and Lady Susan ask now that they be left in peace to rebuild their lives in the wake of “an immensely distressing period for them both”.
It continued: “They hope that their example shows a path to resolution can be found with kindness, co-operation and the condemnation of discrimination wherever it takes root.”
Lady Susan Hussey and Ngozi Fulani have met (Image: PA)
Camilla, Charles and Lady Susan watch the racing as they attend day two of Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
The saga surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal exit took a “terrible toll” on the late Queen, it has been claimed. Royal expert Rebecca English said that while Elizabeth II was understanding of the Sussexes wanting a new life, at times she was left feeling “very low indeed” by the way the drama unfolded.
The late Queen’s lady-in-waiting resigned after making “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” to Ms Fulani at Camilla, the Queen Consort’s, reception on violence against women.
Lady Susan, 83, served Queen Elizabeth II for more than 60 years and is a godmother to the Prince of Wales.
Ms Fulani had detailed the conversation on Twitter, describing it as a “violation”, adding the experience would never leave her.
The charity chief executive said she was challenged when she said her organisation was based in Hackney. She reported Lady Susan as saying: “No, what part of Africa are YOU from?”
Ms Fulani detailed the encounter, which happened 10 minutes after she arrived at the Palace’s Picture Gallery, on social media.
She tweeted her recollection of the exchange, writing: “‘Where are you from?'” “Me: ‘Here, UK’. ‘No, but what nationality are you?’ Me: ‘I am born here and am British.’ ‘No, but where do you really come from, where do your people come from?’ Me: “My people”, lady, what is this?’
“‘Oh, I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from.”‘
Ms Fulani, who founded Sistah Space in 2015 to provide specialist support for African and Caribbean heritage women affected by abuse, wrote at the time: “Mixed feelings about yesterday’s visit to Buckingham Palace. 10 mins after arriving, a member of staff, Lady SH, approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.”
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Lady Susan Hussey has met charity boss Ngozi Fulani to apologise for repeatedly asking “What part of Africa are you from?” during a Buckingham Palace event last month. In a statement today the Firm announced the founder of Sistah Space, met Lady Susan at the palace, adding: “At this meeting, filled with warmth and understanding, Lady Susan offered her sincere apologies for the comments that were made and the distress they caused to Ms Fulani.
“Lady Susan has pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area.
“Ms Fulani, who has unfairly received the most appalling torrent of abuse on social media and elsewhere, has accepted this apology and appreciates that no malice was intended.”
The statement added that both Ms Fulani and Lady Susan ask now that they be left in peace to rebuild their lives in the wake of “an immensely distressing period for them both”.
