Who Is Lady Susan Hussey? Royal Aide Quits Over Racist Remarks

Lady Susan Hussey, who previously served as Queen Elizabeth II's lady-in-waiting, stepped down from her position Tuesday. It was reported the royal aide repeatedly asked a Black British charity founder where she was "really" from.

While Susan issued an apology after the incident, Buckingham Palace said the comments from her were "unacceptable and deeply regrettable," BBC reported. "It is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect," the statement added.

Charity founder Ngozi Fulani said she was "totally stunned" by the comments. "I was in shock after it happened and anybody who knows me knows I don't take this kind of nonsense," Fulani told BBC.

Who is Lady Susan Hussey?

Susan was born in 1939 and was the youngest daughter of 12th Earl Waldegrave and Mary Hermione, according to the Guardian. She had four sisters. William Waldegrave, a former conservative British cabinet minister, is Susan's brother. She was married to Marmaduke Hussey, who served as the BBC chair for nearly a decade.

Susan was added to the family's workforce in 1960, the same year Prince Andrew was born. She quickly garnered knowledge about the palace's workings and became a crucial lady-in-waiting.

In addition to being a key member of the royal household, the 83-year-old was also considered to be one of the closest aides of the late queen. She is also Prince William's godmother.

Her main job as a courtier was to introduce new family members to the royal mannerisms. This included Meghan Markle and Princess Diana. The position held by Susan was usually given to rich aristocrats who were not paid. Susan's daughter, Lady Katherine Brooke, is one of Queen Consort Camilla's six new companions.

Susan had received numerous honors from the palace for her decades-long service to the queen. This also includes a promotion to Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, which was presented to her at the 2013 Birthday Honors.

Susan also accompanied Queen Elizabeth to Prince Phillip's funeral in 2021. She sat beside the queen in the royal Bentley.