Prince Harry 'Shoved' by Malala Yousafzai's Mother in a 'Terrifying' Moment
Prince Harry experienced an awkward encounter with the mother of activist Malala Yousafzai after the two posed for a photograph together. According to Malala, her mother quickly intervened during the moment, creating an experience the Nobel laureate later described as "terrifying".
Malala, now 28, survived a Taliban assassination attempt in 2012 and was treated in Birmingham. Two years later, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17, recognized for her advocacy for children's right to education. However, her meeting with a royal didn't go entirely as planned.
A Cultural Misunderstanding
During an interview with television host Lorraine Kelly on ITV, Malala recounted the situation. She explained that Prince Harry, whom she described as "sweet", had put his arm around her while taking a photograph. Her mother responded firmly, reflecting cultural norms regarding physical contact.
"Yeah, I mean Prince Harry was very, very sweet and he put his arm around me when we were taking a photo together, and my mum because of the culture, it’s a man putting an arm around a girl. I was a little girl and she just went up to Prince Harry and she shoved off his hand and said, ‘Remove - no touch.’"
Malala added that she was frightened at the time, saying that Prince Harry’s face turned red but that he immediately became very respectful afterward. She reflected that her mother’s reaction was shaped by her own upbringing and values.
"I was terrified when that was happening - poor Prince Harry, his face went red. He was then very very respectful but in that moment, I was thinking of what my mum had seen growing up as a kid."
Author’s Summary
Malala Yousafzai recalled a cultural clash during her photo with Prince Harry when her mother intervened, turning a cordial moment into a tense but memorable exchange.