The Prince and Princess of Wales’ first trip abroad since the Queen’s death has been overshadowed by domestic controversy.
William and Kate arrived in Boston yesterday for a three-day visit ahead of Friday’s Earthshot Prize, an environmental awards ceremony honoring the Prince.
Hours earlier, the prince’s godmother resigned from her role at Buckingham Palace after repeatedly asking a black visitor “where is she really from”.
Ngozi Fulani
Mrs Susan Hussey
A Kensington Palace spokesman, who spoke to William before boarding the flight, called Dame Susan Hussey’s comments “unacceptable” and that “racism has no place in our society”.
He added that Mrs Hussey, 83, was right to immediately resign from her honorary duties as lady of the household.
The monarchy has faced allegations of institutional racism since British-born charity boss Ngozi Fulani revealed what happened at an event at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Lady Hussey, who has waited more than 60 years as Queen’s Maid, has “deeply apologized” for the hurt she has caused.
William focused on the Earthshot Awards as he addressed the crowd in Boston, saying, “We’re all looking forward to spending the next few days learning about the innovative ways the people of Massachusetts are tackling climate change.”
The White House has confirmed that the royal couple will meet with President Joe Biden later this week.
Ngozi Fulani (centre left) and the queen (centre) at the palace on Tuesday
Fulani reacts to resignation
Buckingham Palace said yesterday it took the incident “very seriously” and described Mrs Hussey’s comments as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”.
Ms Fulani is an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and described the exchange as “aggression”.
The chief executive of Sistah Space told LBC that “nobody in the palace has spoken to me” but that she would be “happy to have a conversation to reach a positive resolution”.
Reflecting further, she said: “Honestly, I wish I could have spoken to this woman and understood the damage she’s done, preferably not head-on.
“But she resigned, it had nothing to do with me. I don’t feel good about it. She’s the elder and in my culture we respect people.
“There needs to be a dialogue with the people involved so that this doesn’t happen again.”
Last year, the Duchess of Sussex claimed a member of the royal family raised concerns about the color of her son Archie’s skin before he was born.
Hussey ‘interrogated’ Fulani – witness
Royals must ‘step up’
Mandourid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, who stood next to Fulani and witnessed the exchange, said she was “stunned”.
“It’s really uncomfortable. If Ngozi had been a white woman, this kind of issue couldn’t have happened. It’s not what you expect,” she told Sky News.
“We’re not interlopers, but we almost feel like interlopers.”
Asked if Mrs Hussey’s stepping down and apologizing reassured her, she said no – the royals needed to “step up” and acknowledge “institutional racism is part of the culture”.