Buckingham Palace Racism Storm ERUPTS

Front view of Buckingham Palace with illuminated facade and British flag

A royal godmother’s innocent question at Buckingham Palace exploded into a racism firestorm, forcing Prince William and Princess Catherine to confront scandal head-on during their triumphant US return.

Story Snapshot

Lady Susan Hussey, William’s godmother, resigned after asking Ngozi Fulani “where do you really come from?” at a palace event for domestic violence victims.
Kensington Palace declared the comments “unacceptable” and affirmed racism has no place in society, voicing deep disappointment.
The uproar hit just as William and Kate landed in Boston for the Earthshot Prize, their first US trip in eight years, drawing boos at an NBA game.
Scandal echoed prior royal racism claims from Harry-Meghan’s Oprah interview and historical hiring biases.
Palace acted swiftly with resignation and statement, allowing the couple to push forward on climate goals amid backlash.

The Palace Incident Unfolds

On November 29, 2022, Lady Susan Hussey engaged Ngozi Fulani at Buckingham Palace during Queen Camilla’s reception for her anti-domestic violence campaign. Fulani, founder of Sistah Space supporting African and Caribbean women, wore traditional Ghanaian attire. Hussey touched Fulani’s hair and repeatedly asked, “Where are your people from originally?” Fulani described the exchange as an interrogation and violation in a safe space for abuse survivors. The event drew 300 guests focused on protecting women from harm.

Hussey served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II and stood as William’s godmother, tying her deeply to the royal inner circle. Fulani publicized the details the next day on social media, sparking outrage. Common sense dictates curiosity about heritage can cross into insensitivity without malice, yet facts show the question offended in context. American conservative values emphasize personal accountability; Hussey’s swift apology aligned with that principle.

William and Catherine’s US Trip Timing

William and Princess Catherine arrived in Boston on November 30, 2022, for the Earthshot Prize, showcasing environmental innovations. Fans booed them at the Celtics-Heat NBA game, chanting “USA, USA,” amid headlines branding the trip a “royal disaster.” The couple pressed on, meeting communities, awarding prizes, and encountering President Biden. Kensington Palace released its statement on December 1, expressing profound disappointment over Fulani’s experience and backing Hussey’s resignation.

The palace clarified Hussey’s remarks as unacceptable, stressing racism holds no place in society. William previously denied family racism after Harry-Meghan’s 2021 Oprah claims about Archie’s skin color. This incident tested that stance, hitting during high-stakes diplomacy on climate change. Despite distractions, Earthshot events succeeded, proving resilience under pressure.

Historical Echoes and Royal Scrutiny

Royals faced prior accusations, including a 2021 report on Queen Elizabeth’s courtiers barring “coloured immigrants” from roles until the 1960s. The 2022 Caribbean tour ignited reparations protests, prompting Commonwealth nations to reassess ties. Harry and Meghan’s 2020 exit amplified global watchfulness. Critics viewed Hussey’s actions as systemic; palace framed it as isolated misstep. Facts support quick containment over deeper reform claims.

Power dynamics amplified fallout: royals wield institutional authority, while Fulani challenged norms as an outsider. Her BBC comment questioned safety in a women-protection event. Journalists linked it to patterns, yet palace response prioritized anti-racism alignment with modern values.

Lasting Ripples and Resolutions

Short-term, headlines overshadowed the trip; long-term, it fueled institutional racism narratives post-Harry-Meghan. Black British communities gained spotlight on safe spaces; Commonwealth relations strained further. Hussey apologized profoundly, resigned immediately, and Buckingham Palace accepted. William and Kate completed itinerary successfully, focusing on environmental legacy.

Media consensus praised response speed across outlets. No economic hits emerged; Earthshot thrived. Scandal resolution via resignation contained damage, upholding accountability without excusing offense. Ongoing palace image challenges persist, but this episode demonstrated decisive leadership.