A British royal aide has resigned after making “unacceptable and deeply deplorable” comments about a woman’s race and ethnicity at a reception at Buckingham Palace, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The spokesperson clarified that the person in question wanted to apologize for the harm caused and relinquished his role as an honorary advisor, with the decision taking effect immediately.

According to the BBC, this is 83-year-old Lady Susan Hussey, a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who accompanied her to the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh last year. Lady Susan Hussey is also the godmother of Prince William, the heir to the British royal throne.

“We take this incident extremely seriously and have immediately launched an investigation to establish all the details. In this case, unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments were made,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said in a statement.

Lady Susan Hussey has apologized and resigned after repeatedly asking the head of a British charity, a black woman born in Britain, where she was “really” from.

For his part, Prince William’s spokesman said he was “very saddened” by the news of the incident. “Of course, I wasn’t there, but racism has no place in our society,” the spokesman said. “The comments were unacceptable and it is right that the individual in question has resigned with immediate effect,” the spokesman said.

Ngozi Fulani, who runs a support group for victims of domestic violence, Sistah Space, tweeted that the royal nurse, whom she identified only as Lady SH, repeatedly asked her: “Why are you part of Africa?”. This happened on Tuesday at an event organized by Queen Camilla, which was also attended by the wife of the President of Ukraine Zelena Olenska, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Rania of Jordan.

Fulani said that 10 minutes after she arrived for the appointment, a Buckingham Palace nurse approached her and moved her hair aside so she could see the badge. When asked several times what part of Africa she was from, Fulani replied, “I was born here and I’m British.”

“No, but where are you really from, where are your people from?” – insisted the royal adviser.

“We have contacted Ngozi Fulani about this and invite her to discuss all aspects of her experience in person if she wishes,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said. “All members of the Royal Household are reminded of the diversity and inclusion policy that they must adhere to at all times,” he added. (news.ro)