Queen invites Malala Yousafzai to Buckingham Palace

The Queen has invited the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived being shot by the Taliban to visit her in Buckingham Palace.

She was reportedly impressed by Malala Yousufzai's bravery and has taken a keen interest in her recovery at a Birmingham hospital.

She has been invited to a reception for Youth, Education and the Commonwealth, being hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on October 18.

The Queen even phoned Pakistan's high commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, to ask about her state of health, the Sunday Times reports.

Malala's book, which includes her first full account of her attack almost exactly a year ago, is being published on Tuesday. A Palace spokeswoman said:

"We understand that Malala Yousafzai will be attending the Commonwealth Universities and Education Reception at Buckingham Palace."