Royal racism row: who is Lady Susan Hussey, Queen Elizabeth’s controversial lady-in-waiting and Prince William’s godmother – who once said Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle would ‘end in tears’

Dec 2 , 2022

Lady Susan Hussey was Queen Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting for over 60 years. Photos: Getty Images

One of Queen Elizabeth’s closest companions, Hussey worked at Buckingham Palace for over 60 years – but stepped down suddenly after ‘racist’ remarks towards Sistah Space’s Ngozi Fulani

It’s not the first time the now-resigned royal aide has stirred controversy, as she was quoted saying Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s marriage would ‘end in tears’

Lady Susan Hussey, one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s ladies-in-waiting, has resigned – but her sudden departure wasn’t an amicable one.

The British royal family has been thrown into fresh controversy, with Hussey the latest figure to be embroiled in a racism row after welcoming guests to an event for campaigners against domestic violence, hosted by Queen Consort Camilla at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Ngozi Fulani, chief executive of charity Sistah Space, later posted on Twitter how she was repeatedly asked by Hussey where she “really” came from, despite saying she lived in London and was born in the UK.

Britain’s then Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, centre, and Lady Susan Hussey, left, attend the State Opening of Parliament in the Houses of Parliament in London in October 2019. Photo: Getty Images

Hussey has since stepped down from her role as a lady-in-waiting at the palace and apologised for her comments, which have been widely condemned as racist.

Ngozi Fulani is the chief executive of charity Sistah Space. Photo: Sistah Space

At Buckingham Palace, a lady-in-waiting refers to someone who has been hand-picked by the monarch to help and perform personal duties similar to that of an aide. Aside from the title and chores, many of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting also became her friends and confidantes. Hussey’s attitudes and conduct naturally risk tarnishing the late queen’s spotless reputation – and further drag the royal family into accusations of outdatedness and ingrained prejudice.

So, who is 83-year-old Lady Susan Hussey, and what role did she play in the palace?

She served the queen for over 60 years

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, left, and her then-lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, arriving at St Mary Magdalene Church, on the royal estate at Sandringham in Norfolk, England, in January 2011. Photo: AP