Lady Susan Hussey, the late Queen's lady-in-waiting and Prince William's godmother, has apologized and resigned after repeatedly asking a black British charity boss where she was "really" from.

Ngozi Fulani, the founder of a charity, was questioned about her background at a charity event held at the palace on Tuesday.

Fulani said she was "totally stunned" by Prince William's godmother's comments. The Palace described the remarks as "unacceptable and deeply regrettable."
 
A spokesperson for Prince William said, "Racism has no place in our society." "The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect," they said.

#Britain's police watchdog has called for an explanation for the rampant misogyny and "disgraceful" behavior after a newly published report cited widespread bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination. pic.twitter.com/VzlZT86Ci0

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Lady Hussey, 83, was a close confidante of the late Queen and attended the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral last year.

She had been a key and trusted figure in the Royal Household for decades, and her most recent role had included helping to host events at Buckingham Palace.

In an interview for The Independent website, Fulani stated that the problem was "bigger than one individual. It's institutional racism."

"I was in shock after it happened and anybody who knows me knows I don't take this kind of nonsense," she said.

"But I had to consider so many things. As a black person, I found myself in this place where I wanted to say something but what happened would automatically be seen as my fault, it would bring [my charity] Sistah Space down."

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Mandu Reid, an eyewitness to the conversation, told BBC News that Lady Hussey's questions were "offensive, racist, and unwelcoming."

In its statement, 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."

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