Royal Aide Resigns After Repeatedly Asking Black Guest ‘Where Are You From?’

A senior aide to the British Royal Family has resigned after making “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” to a Black charity boss at a reception held by Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Ngozi Fulani, the CEO and founder of Sistah Space, a London charity supporting women and families affected by domestic and sexual violence, had been invited to the reception marking the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at Buckingham Palace, when an aide she called “Lady SH” moved her hair to see her name badge and then asked “Where are you from?” seven times. 

Fulani tweeted about the incident at Tuesday’s event with a transcript of the conversation.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: “We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details. In this instance, unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments have been made. We have reached out to Ngozi Fulani on this matter, and are inviting her to discuss all elements of her experience in person if she wishes.

“In the meantime, the individual concerned would like to express her profound apologies for the hurt caused and has stepped aside from her honorary role with immediate effect. All members of the Household are being reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies which they are required to uphold at all times.”

In further tweets, Fulani said that there was nobody to report the incident to at Buckingham Palace. “I couldn’t report it to the Queen Consort, plus it was such a shock to me and the other 2 women, that we were stunned to temporary silence. I just stood at the edge of the room, smiled & engaged briefly with who spoke to me until I could leave,” she wrote.

She added: “I think it is essential to acknowledge that trauma has occurred and being invited and then insulted has caused much damage.” 

Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, tweeted, “I was right there. I witnessed this firsthand. We were at an event that was supposed to celebrate our work. For people like Lady SH, people like us will never really belong here.” 

The Queen Consort has made domestic abuse one of her key causes, and was supported by some of her closest friends at the event on Monday. 

Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Rania of Jordan and the Crown Princess Mary of Denmark were at the event, as were the First Ladies of Ukraine and Sierra Leone.

The Royal Family has previously been rocked by allegations of racism. In 2021 Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, said a senior member of the royal household had asked her what colour skin her baby would have.