Is the British monarchy institutionally racist? Some think charity founder Ngozi Fulani’s recollection of a racist exchange with a royal aide proves what many have been saying for years: the British royals have a racism problem.
Palace incident was abuse says charity boss
Is the British monarchy institutionally racist? Some think charity founder Ngozi Fulani's recollection of a racist exchange with a royal aide proves what many have been saying for years: the British royals have a racism problem.
It is 6 May 2023, and King Charles III is being crowned. You are one of the honorary guests at his coronation. As he stretches out his hand to shake yours, you ask "Your Majesty, where are you from?"
He might answer, puzzled, that he is from the British Royal Family, to which you might reply: "no, where are you really from?"
Although the Royal Family has become synonymous with the pompCeremony and display. and circumstance of British tradition, King Charles III has approximately half German ancestry. However, it is hard to imagine anybody ever grilling a royal about their "real" roots.
Today, the same cannot be said for their guests. Another royal race scandal has exploded following royal aide Lady Susan Hussey's "offensive, racist and unwelcoming" treatment of a Black charity founder at Buckingham Palace.
Ngozi Fulani, who was born in Britain and founded the domestic abuse charity Sistah Space, was approached at a Palace reception by the late Queen Elizabeth II's lady-in-waitingA female personal assistant to a woman who is part of a royal family. . Lady Hussey reportedly moved her hair aside to view her name badge and proceeded to "interrogate" her about "where she is really from", even asking where "her people" originated.
Since then Lady Susan, a longtime member of the Royal household, has resigned from her position and apologised.
We take such allegations "very seriously," says the Palace. "Racism has no place in our society," added a spokesperson for Prince William. But this is far from the first racism upset in the Royal Family.
In 2018, the King's son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan MarkleAn American actress and the wife of Prince Harry. Also known as the Duchess of Sussex. decided to step down from their royals as senior royals, later citing "endemicCommon to a particular place or community. racism" within British society, the Royal Family and the British press.
Some say that the older Royals are a product of their time, and that younger members of the family will champion anti-racism as society develops.
Others argue that racism is more institutional: built on the former British Empire, the British monarchy historically funded slave voyages and stole numerous valuables from former colonies.
Is the British monarchy institutionally racist?
Yes: The Royal family is an institution built on racism, from Britain's colonial past up to the present day. The first Black member of the family quit her role due to abuse from the media and public, saying the family did not support her.
No: We cannot call it institutional. The fact that individuals who are linked to the family have been accused of racism is by no means proof that it is "institutionally racist."
Or... The problem is not just with the Royal Family. The British public and media are also responsible for racism in British society, and we need to tackle the problem as a whole, without just focusing on the Royals.
Keywords
Pomp - Ceremony and display.
Lady-in-waiting - A female personal assistant to a woman who is part of a royal family.
Meghan Markle - An American actress and the wife of Prince Harry. Also known as the Duchess of Sussex.
Endemic - Common to a particular place or community.
Palace incident was abuse says charity boss
Glossary
Pomp - Ceremony and display.
Lady-in-waiting - A female personal assistant to a woman who is part of a royal family.
Meghan Markle - An American actress and the wife of Prince Harry. Also known as the Duchess of Sussex.
Endemic - Common to a particular place or community.