Malala Yousafzai’s Mother Criticizes Prince Harry and David Beckham
Malala Yousafzai’s mother, Toor Pekai Yousafzai, expressed her disapproval of Prince Harry and David Beckham during a recent television appearance. This revelation came during an episode of The Graham Norton Show that aired on October 31, 2025.
Toor Pekai Yousafzai’s Actions
When Malala posed for a photo with Prince Harry, her mother reacted strongly. She reportedly shoved the royal’s arm away from Malala’s shoulder, demonstrating her protective instincts.
Memorable Encounters
Malala Yousafzai, a renowned advocate for girls’ education, shared that her mother’s reaction was unexpected. The photo opportunity took place during an event where the prince respectfully put his arm around her.
Earlier, in 2013, at the Pride of Britain Awards in London, former football star David Beckham presented Malala with the Teenager of Courage Award. She was 17 at the time, having survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012. That attack propelled her into the international spotlight as an education activist.
- Malala’s Age at Award: 17
- Beckham’s Age: 50
- Location of Event: London, England
- Year of Attack: 2012
A Mother’s Concerns
Toor Pekai’s reaction wasn’t solely regarding Prince Harry. She and Malala’s father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, had concerns about their daughter’s interactions with influential figures due to cultural pressures from conservative relatives.
Malala defended her choices, stating her age and celebrity status. She recalled their strict views on her clothing choices during her university years, particularly disapproving of her skinny jeans.
Malala’s Educational Journey
Malala made history in 2014 by becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her commitment to education led her to study at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham from 2013 to 2017, followed by a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, graduating in 2020.
Reflecting on her educational journey, she felt fortunate to have completed her studies, a personal victory against those who sought to silence her. Malala hopes that her experiences inspire other women to pursue their education.
Finding My Way: A Memoir
In her new memoir, “Finding My Way,” Malala offers insights into her adolescent struggles and personal growth. She emphasizes themes of belonging and mental health, aiming to resonantly connect with readers.
With these reflections, she hopes to assure others that they are not alone in their journeys.
