A black British charity boss who was asked repeatedly where she was “really from” at a Buckingham Palace event has experienced “horrific abuse” on social media since.
Ngozi Fulani, the chief executive of Sistah Space, was questioned by the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, who has since stood down from her role as a Lady of the Household.
Ms Fulani said it had been an “emotional whirlwind” since the event, which was part of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism to raise global awareness of gender-based violence.
In a new statement, released on Monday, Ms Fulani said she and the team at her charity have faced “immense pressure”.
“I have experienced first-hand what happens when a black woman faces adversity and has to overcome additional barriers when trying to report it,” she said.
“This is at the heart of what we do at Sistah Space, and it has reiterated to me just how important work we do is.”
Ms Fulani said the past week has been “extremely difficult” for her family and team but she has been “heartened by the huge amount of support”.
“It has shown me that love will always triumph over hate,” she said in the statement.
“What took place at the event is now well documented, and sadly is something that occurs on an all too regular basis. Incidents like this not only cause emotional harm to those involved but do also have wider repercussions within the community.”
Ms Fulani said she and her team “wish to take the time to pause, reflect and learn from these events”.
“I remain dedicated to raising awareness around cultural competency, and will go to Buckingham Palace, or anywhere else, if it will help raise positive change and save lives,” she pledged.
The charity boss said the events of last week have “taken the focus away from day-to-day operations” of Sistah Space.
Lady Hussey, 83, Prince William’s godmother, resigned from her role following the event last Tuesday.
Friends have since said she wishes to apologise directly to Ms Fulani.
The offer comes after the Palace described the remarks made to Ms Fulani as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”.
Meanwhile a spokesman for Prince William said “racism has no place in our society”, adding: “The comments were unacceptable.”
