Lady Susan Hussey has resigned after making “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” to a black female guest at a Buckingham Palace reception, casting a shadow over the start of King Charles III’s reign. The 83-year-old, who served as lady-in-waiting to the late Queen for six decades, was a close friend of the King and godmother to Prince William.
Her new role as one of three Ladies-of-the-Household, announced last week, was honorary and public-facing. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the royal family, still bruised by allegations of racism from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which have been denied. The Netflix documentary on Harry and Meghan is reportedly due to air next week, followed by Harry’s memoir, Spare, in the new year.
The incident occurred at a reception hosted by Queen Camilla, which was intended as a milestone in her work on violence against women and girls. Coverage of her speech has been overshadowed by the fallout from Hussey’s remarks and resignation. It also threatens to divert attention from the Prince and Princess of Wales’s visit to Boston for the Earthshot Prize.
The row comes just two weeks after King Charles hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking of “acknowledging the wrongs” of the past. The King is head of the Commonwealth, and the incident may affect perceptions among member states.
