The pressure is on King Charles as the Royal Family once again faces accusations of institutional racism
Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey and Prince William and Kate's tour of the Caribbean led to uncomfortable questions about racism. Lady Susan Hussey's comments mean the issue hasn't gone away.
Wednesday 30 November 2022 21:00, UK
This is not the kind of conversation Buckingham Palace wants making headlines as the King attempts to redefine the monarchy for modern Britain.
Lady Susan Hussey was one of the late Queen's closest aides; the lady in waiting who accompanied her to Prince Philip's funeral.
She is Prince William's godmother and is said to be very close to the family.
Such was the respect for her within the royal household, she kept an honorary position after the Queen died. Her role was supposed to help and assist at formal palace events, an extra representative of the Royal Family.
But her comments to a prominent black domestic abuse campaigner are at best a naïve misjudgement, and at worst, a sign of deep misunderstanding and racism within the palace.
Buckingham Palace has responded, Lady Hussey has resigned. But the conversation cannot be undone.
This isn't the first time the Royal Family has had to face uncomfortable accusations of institutional racism. Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah raised serious concerns, with Meghan accusing the family of "concerns and conversations" about the colour of Archie's skin while she was pregnant.
The couple are due to receive a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights award for speaking out and showing "moral courage" by standing up to the "structural racism" within the institution.
Prince William in the past has said the family "are very much not racist" when challenged by a reporter.
But the issue hasn't gone away. His spokesperson has quickly condemned the recent comments as "unacceptable", ahead of a visit to Boston by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
They may have to say and do more. Their tour of the Caribbean was described by many as a throwback to colonialism, with unfortunate photos of the couple shaking hands with children through wire fences, on top of the imperial-looking white Land Rover parade. The optics went wrong.
There remain huge challenges for William and Kate if they are to change the narrative.
But even bigger pressures on the King as he tries to navigate and calm the first major upset of his reign.