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State & Ceremonial

Queen invites Malala Yousafzai to Buckingham Palace

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived being shot by the Taliban, has been invited to Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

Malala

Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls education.

The Queen is reportedly impressed by Malala’s bravery and has been closely following her progress in Birmingam Hospital, showing keen interest in her recovery. Malala has been invited to a reception hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for Youth, Education and the Commonwealth on October 18. Academics and teachers will also be among the guests at the reception.

The Sunday Times reports that the Queen took such an interest in Malala’s recovery that she phoned Pakistan’s high commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan to ask about the state of her health.

The 16 year old is also among the favourites to win the Nobel Peace Prize, which will be revealed on October 11. Speaking to the BBC, Malala said winning the Nobel Peace Prize would be “a great opportunity” but that universal education remained her true goal. She said that she plans to return to Pakistan in the future, but only when she has received a full education and is “fully empowered.”

A palace spokeswoman said “We understand that Malala Yousafzai will be attending the Commonwealth Universities and Education Reception at Buckingham Palace”.

Malala’s book, which includes her first full account of her attack almost a year ago will be released on Tuesday.

photo credit: United Nations Information Centres via photopin cc