What changed between Prince Harry and Malala after the awkward WE Day moment?

A backstage moment from 2014 involving Prince Harry and activist Malala Yousafzai has resurfaced, highlighting an initial interaction that occurred years before Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, formed a bond with the Nobel laureate. The incident took place during a youth event where a simple photo request led to a visibly uncomfortable reaction from the Duke of Sussex.

Kielburger Describes the Awkward Introduction

Craig Kielburger, co-founder of WE Day, shared details of the meeting in a report by HELLO! Magazine. He described having the “honour to introduce Prince Harry to Malala” at the 2014 event. As Harry placed his arm around Yousafzai for a photograph, Kielburger recalled hearing Yousafzai’s mother shout “No, no no” from nearby.

The Urdu warning, according to Kielburger, translated to mean that physical contact was not permitted unless marriage was involved. Harry immediately withdrew his arm and clasped his hands in front of him. The WE Day founder noted that the Prince became “so red in his face,” while Yousafzai appeared embarrassed by the situation.

Body Language Shifts After the Incident

Despite the interruption, the pair proceeded to pose together, though their demeanor changed significantly. Kielburger observed that they stood “like two teenagers would,” ensuring “no hands touching.” He compared their posture to adolescents preparing for a prom, yet he remembered the overall scene as “incredibly sweet and endearing.”

The encounter occurred backstage at WE Day London, held at Wembley Arena, where Harry also delivered a speech at the youth empowerment gathering. This interaction predates by six years the first public collaboration between Meghan Markle and Yousafzai, which took place during a video conversation in 2020.

Recent Partnership Between Duchess and Activist

In 2026, the relationship between the Duchess of Sussex and Yousafzai evolved into a formal charitable alliance. The two women met for afternoon tea at Claridge’s in London before announcing a joint initiative focused on girls’ education. Their shared message emphasized that supporting today’s girls empowers tomorrow’s women, stating, “Access to education is the key to unlocking this.”

To mark International Day of the Girl on October 11, net proceeds from selected jams and teas under the As Ever brand were pledged to the Malala Fund. The announcement concluded with a playful note: “Tea for Two has never felt so good.”