In response to “unacceptable statements” made to a black British guest during a banquet thrown by the Queen Consort, a member of the Buckingham Palace household has apologized and resigned.
A royal aide allegedly asked Ngozi Fulani, the head of a nonprofit that supports victims of domestic abuse, numerous times where she was “truly from.”
Where she was from in Africa was a question she received during the Buckingham Palace event.
The palace declared that it was “very serious” about the situation.
Mandu Reid, a bystander who witnessed the exchange, corroborated the story and told the BBC that the inquiries directed at Ms. Fulani were “offensive, racist, and unwelcoming.”
Even though Ms Fulani had already stated that she was born and raised in the UK, Ms Reid said she felt “a sense of skepticism” throughout the interaction with a member of the Royal Household.
The charity Sistah Space, which assists black women who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, was founded by Ms. Fulani and is situated in London.
She had been invited to a prestigious reception at the Palace on Tuesday where the Queen Consort, Camilla, had spoken about a “global pandemic of violence against women” in front of 300 guests.
But following the incident, Ms. Fulani shared a Twitter discussion in which a royal adviser pressed her to identify her place of origin.
When she stated, “We’re located in Hackney,” the assistant responded, “No, what region of Africa are you from?” She recalled this incident.
The Palace member said, “Well you must know where you’re from, I spent time in France,” to her statement that she didn’t know because they hadn’t left any records. From where are you?
“UK, here.”
“No, but what country are you from?”
“I am British and was born here.”
“No, but where are your genuine origins and those of your people?”
Ms. Reid, the Women’s Equality Party’s leader, took part in the discussion as well.
Members of the Royal Household were reportedly mingling and engaging in “chit conversation” during the reception, but she claimed that when Ms. Fulani’s answers to questions about her background were ignored, it led to a “very ugly incident.”
Ms. Reid claims that later, they were “stunned into silence” and asserts that Ms. Fulani ought to get an apology as well as training for those working for the palace.
Ms. Reid and Sistah Space have both chosen to withhold the name of the alleged royal assistant.
As a result, Buckingham Palace responded, saying: “We take this occurrence extremely seriously and have launched an immediate investigation to ascertain the exact particulars.
“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
