A children’s choir which performed for the Queen were rewarded with the chance to meet Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager shot by the Taliban.
Around 30 children from St Winefride’s R C Primary School in Manor Park, as part of the Commonwealth Children’s Choir performed the Commonwealth Anthem at Buckingham Palace as the Queen received guests on Friday as part of a reception for commonwealth, youth and education.
Among them was Malala, who presented the Queen with a copy of her book, I Am Malala, during their meeting in the palace’s White Drawing Room.
Although the children have performed at a series of Royal events, it was the first time they met the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice.
The children were accompanied by head teacher Paul Underwood, choir leader Alice Mason and other members of staff and several governors.
Mr Underwood said it was the first time the Commonwealth Anthem rather than the National Anthem had been performed at such an event.
He said: “After they performed they went into another room and we were presented to the Royal family. Then the Queen spoke to the children and wanted to know what their backgrounds were, and how long they have been singing. It was lovely.
“We also got to meet the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice.
“Then we spotted Malala and she came and spoke to the children. One of our children started crying her eyes out because Malala is one of her idols.
“It was so inspiring for the children to meet someone like this.
“They were just in shock, they could not believe it was her.”
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