The founder of Britain’s leading domestic abuse charity for Black women, Ngozi Fulani, said she was left “traumatised” after she was asked racially offensive questions about her heritage at the event.
A British Royal Family - the Buckingham Palace aide has resigned amid controversy over what has been described as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” made to a Black charity leader at the Queen Consort’s reception.
The founder of Britain’s leading domestic abuse charity for Black women, Ngozi Fulani, said she was left “traumatised” after she was asked racially offensive questions about her heritage at the event.
Ms Fulani who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sistah Space, was said to had been invited to the “Violence Against Women and Girls” reception hosted by the Queen Consort Camilla, on Tuesday, during which the aide confronted her with racial questions she described as “insulting.”
According to Ms Fulani, 10 minutes after arriving at the Palace, a member of staff identified as Lady SH, approached her, moved dreadlocked hair to see her name badge before asking questions about where she and “her people” were from.
Ms Fulani said when Lady SH asked her “where are you from?” She answered that she was from the Sistah Space but the Palace aide said “No, where do you come from?”
She answered that “We’re based in Hackney,” and Lady SH said, “No, what part of Africa are you from?”
Ms Fulani said the conversation continued as she answered Lady SH, “I don’t know, they didn’t leave any records,” to which the palace aide went on to ask, “where do you really come from, where do your people come from?”, pushing aside Ms Fulani’s claim that she was a Briton as she was born and raised there.
When Ms Fulani said, “My people, Lady, what is this?”, Lady SH went further to say, “Oh, I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you’re from. When did you first come here?”
Reacting to the exchange, Ms Fulani said, “I think it is essential to acknowledge that trauma has occurred and being invited and then insulted has caused much damage.
“It was such a struggle to stay in a space that you were violated in. Yesterday made me realise an ugly truth which I am still trying to process.”
She said that two other women who overheard the exchange were also “stunned to temporary silence.”
Also reacting to the matter on her Twitter account, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, Mandu Reid, who confirmed that she witnessed the incident said, “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.”
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace in a statement on the incident 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.”