The charity boss at the centre of a royal racism row says she's willing to return to Buckingham Palace to "raise awareness around cultural competency".
Ngozi Fulani, the chief executive of women's refuge Sistah Space, released a statement today days after expressing her shock at being repeatedly asked where she was "really" from by the late Queen's lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey.
In it she also spoke of the "horrific abuse" she, her team and her family had received on social media after the exchange hit headlines last Wednesday - but added how "heartened" they were by the "huge amount of support" that also existed.
Ngozi said she had "experienced first hand what happens when a black woman faces adversity and has to overcome additional barriers when trying to report it".
Shortly after Ngozi spoke out about her conversation with Lady Susan, Buckingham Palace said it had reached out to the charity worker and "invited her to discuss all elements of her experience in person if she wishes".
However in an interview with ITV she denied receiving an invitation from the Palace. It was later reported that Ngozi had since had a "direct discussion" with the Palace and was "working out how to move forward".
Ngozi said in her statement on Monday: "I remain dedicated to raising awareness around cultural competency, and will go to Buckingham Palace, or anywhere else, if it will help raise positive change and save lives"
She said the last few days had been an "emotional whirlwind" and that the charity would now take time to "pause and reflect and learn from these events". She added that they would "not be commenting any further at this stage" and would be focusing on their work with the "women, families and communities" that need them.
Ngozi had been attending a royal reception hosted by Queen Consort Camilla and highlighting violence against women and girls last Tuesday when the exchange took place.
Detailing the conversation a Twitter post, Ngozisaid when she told Lady Susan she was from East London, the former lady-in-waiting responded, "No, what part of Africa are you from?"
She also allegedly said: "I can see I am going to have a challenge getting you to say where you're from. When did you first come here?"
Ngozi said she later replied: "I am a British national, my parents came here in the 1950s," before Hussey responded with: "Oh, I knew we'd get there in the end, you're Caribbean."
She said she then corrected the aristocrat by responding with: "No, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent, and British nationality."
Lady Susan also allegedly moved Ngozi's hair aside to see her name badge.
While some claimed Lady Susan was simply expressing interest in Ngozi's heritage, many others condemned her comments while Ngozi herself told the Mirror she believes Lady Susan's comments were "prolonged racism through and through".
Lady Susan has since resigned and apologised for her "unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments," the Palace said in a statement.
It added: "We take this incident extremely seriously and have investigated immediately to establish the full details.
"In this instance, unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments have been made.
"We have reached out to Ngozi Fulani on this matter, and are inviting her to discuss all elements of her experience in person if she wishes.
"In the meantime, the individual concerned would like to express her profound apologies for the hurt caused and has stepped aside from her honorary role with immediate effect.
"All members of the Household are being reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies which they are required to uphold at all times."
