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.
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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.
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It is 6 May 2023, and King Charles III is being crowned. You are one of the guests at his coronation. As he stretches out his hand to shake yours, you ask "Your Majesty, where are you from?"
He might answer, confused, that he is from the British Royal Family. You might reply: "no, where are you really from?"
Although the Royal Family is seen as only British, King Charles III has approximately half German ancestry. However, it is hard to imagine anybody ever questioning a royal about their "real" roots.
Today, the same cannot be said for the Royal Family's guests. Royal aide Lady Susan Hussey is accused of "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, 83, reportedly "interrogated" 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.
This is far from the first racism upset in the Royal Family. After her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan Markle accused members of the Royal Family of racist behaviour.
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 brutal former British EmpireA group of countries that were once ruled or controlled by the UK, including Australia, Canada, India and large parts of Africa., the British monarchy historically funded slave voyages and stole numerous valuables from former colonies.
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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 not 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. We need to tackle the problem as a whole, without just focusing on the Royals.
Keywords
Lady-in-waiting - A female personal assistant to a woman who is part of a royal family.
British Empire - A group of countries that were once ruled or controlled by the UK, including Australia, Canada, India and large parts of Africa.
Palace incident was abuse says charity boss
Disgraced: Susan Hussey joined the royal household in 1960 and has remained a close confidante ever since. Glossary
Lady-in-waiting - A female personal assistant to a woman who is part of a royal family.
British Empire - A group of countries that were once ruled or controlled by the UK, including Australia, Canada, India and large parts of Africa.