Prince William and Princess Kate’s Spokesperson Responds to Racist Incident at Buckingham Palace

On Wednesday, Fulani described the conversation as a “violation” and said the experience will “never leave me.”

According to Fulani, Hussey repeatedly challenged her about where she was from, asking, “No, what part of Africa are you from?” despite Fulani’s answers that she was born in Britain. The executive, who said the conversation was witnessed by two other women, detailed the full exchange, which she said happened 10 minutes after she arrived.

She says she was asked, “Where are you from?” with Hussey saying, “Oh, I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from” to which Fulani responded, “Lady! I am a British national, my parents came here in the 50s when…”

According to Fulani, Hussey interjected, saying, “Oh, I knew we’d get there in the end, you’re Caribbean!” to which Fulani responded: “No Lady, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality.”

The race row is the latest controversy to engulf the palace that is still reeling from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s accusations of institutionalized racism within the royal family. In their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple claimed a member of their family (whom they have never named) made racist comments about the color of their unborn child’s skin. The row rumbled on even after the late queen addressed the accusations head on saying that “recollections may vary” over the couple’s account of what was actually said.

Next week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to accept the Ripple of Hope Award for their part in taking on institutionalized racism within the royal family at a ceremony in New York.

Sources close to William and Kate have said they are determined nothing should detract from their trip to Boston and Friday’s Earthshot Prize awards, which aides have said will be William’s “Super Bowl”moment, but the prince is likely to be asked about both the row over his godmother’s comments as well as his relationship with his brother.

The prince and princess released a statement upon touching down in the United States today saying how much they were “delighted” to be back and grateful for the warm welcome. “On this, our first overseas visit since the death of my grandmother, I would like to thank the people of Massachusetts and particularly of Boston for their many tributes paid to the late Queen. She remembered her 1976 bicentennial visit with great fondness.

“My grandmother was one of life’s optimists. And so am I. That is why last year we launched the Earthshot Prize with the ambition to create a truly global platform to inspire hope and urgent optimism as we look to save the future of our planet.

“To the people of Boston, thank you. I’m so grateful to you for allowing us to host the second year of the Earthshot prize in your great city. Catherine and I can’t wait to meet many of you in the days ahead.”