Lesser-known royal attends first day of Wimbledon with controversial guest
The Duke of Kent has been pictured among a number of celebrities taking in the first day of Wimbledon today. Prince Edward, 90, was snapped paying close attention as the match went on at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
Former England football captain Sir David Beckham, former Great British Bake Off judge Dame Mary Berry and ex-Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly were among the celebrities also spotted at the prestigious tennis event. However, another controversial guest also appeared today. Lady Susan Hussey was seen sitting in a row in front of Tess Daly and Gayle Lawton.
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She was dressed in black with a white blazer and burgundy sunglasses.
Lady Susan was the late Queen Elizabeth’s Lady of the Bedchamber, but she was forced to resign in December 2022 following an incident at Buckingham Palace, nearly three months after the late monarch’s passing.
The 87-year-old, who is also one of Prince William’s godparents, was involved in a racist row with a charity boss who alleged that the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting had asked her where she “really” is from during a reception in November of that year.
Ngozi Fulani, the founder of the charity Sistah Space, wrote on X about the incident: “Mixed feelings about yesterday's visit to Buckingham Palace. 10 minutes after arriving, a member of staff, Lady SH, approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.”
The charity leader also included a transcript of the exchange and added that Mandu Reid, the leader of the Women's Equality Party, and Suzanne Jacob had witnessed it.
Lady Susal allegedly asked her "what part of Africa” she was from, according to the transcript shared by Ms Fulani.
She then allegedly pressed Ms Fulani to know her nationality, telling the charity leader even after the Palace guest had made it clear to her she was born and bred in Britain: “No, but where do you really come from, where do your people come from?”
A few hours after Ms Fulani's post, Buckingham Palace released a statement.
A spokesman 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.”