Buckingham Palace has issued a statement after one of the late Queen's friends resigned over allegedly making racist comments.
It was claimed Lady Susan Hussey questioned Ngozi Fulani about her ethnicity last night while attending the Queen Consort 's reception on violence against women yesterday.
Ms Fulani, who runs a black women's domestic abuse charity, said that she was asked: "What part of Africa are you from?"
Earlier today, the palace confirmed they had launched an investigation into the "unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments".
Shortly after, a palace spokesman confirmed that the individual in question has stepped down from their role.
A palace 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."
Lady Hussey, 83, was one of the late monarch's most trusted friends and is Prince William's godmother.
Hussey was always referred to as the “head girl” as the most senior and trusted of seven ladies in waiting who dedicated decades of their lives in service to the Queen.
She was one of only three still kept on by King Charles at the Palace.
Ms Fulani shared the exchange on Twitter, which has since sparked outrage.
In a conversation that followed, the member of the household allegedly continued to ask "what nationality are you?", "Where do your people come from?" and "what part of Africa are you from?"
She also allegedly said: "I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you're from. When did you first come here?"
Eventually, Ngozi says she replied: "I am a British national, my parents came here in the 1950s," before Hussey responded with: "Oh, I knew we'd get there in the end, you're Caribbean."
Ngozi says she then corrected the aristocrat by responding with: "No, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality."
Ms Fulani was at the palace for a meeting attended by the Queen Consort and other notable royals for an event speaking on violence against women.
It was held as part of the UN’s “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”, and included around 300 guests - campaigners, politicians and celebrity ambassadors - to draw attention to the ongoing crisis.
