Allegra Mostyn-Owen

Allegra Mostyn-Owen is a British journalist and educator. She was born in the United Kingdom and pursued higher education at Trinity College, Oxford, beginning her undergraduate studies in 1983. At Trinity College, she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics. During her time as a student, she worked as a journalist and was involved as a joint student editor of Oxford's Isis magazine in 1985.

Mostyn-Owen was also engaged in modelling activities. She was photographed by David Bailey for the cover of Tatler magazine and by Terence Donovan for Vogue. She was represented by the Models1 modelling agency in London. Her modelling work and physical appearance received recognition within Oxford circles, where she was described as one of the university's most notable women in terms of appearance.

Following her graduation, Mostyn-Owen embarked on a career in journalism, working for the Evening Standard. She was responsible for the newspaper’s gossip column, "London’s Diary," but resigned from this position in April of the following year. She later obtained a master's degree in European Union Law from the Université libre de Bruxelles.

Mostyn-Owen’s career shifted towards education and community work after her divorce from Boris Johnson. She taught English and art to Muslim women at the Minhaj-UI-Quran Mosque in East London. She subsequently established art classes for boys and girls aged five to 14 within the mosque community, gaining approval from mosque elders. In 2010, she participated as a speaker at a public event discussing "the Closing of the Muslim Mind," a topic related to the book by Robert R. Reilly published that year. Her personality was described as "creative and kindly" during this event.

In addition to her teaching, Mostyn-Owen is a ceramic artist. She operates a studio in West London where she creates ceramics. Her development as a ceramicist includes adult education classes in Hammersmith and Fulham and one-on-one tuition from Seth Cardew at Wenford Bridge.

Mostyn-Owen's personal life includes her marriage to Boris Johnson, a future British Prime Minister. They met during their first year at Oxford University, where they were often described as a "perfect couple." The couple married on September 5, 1987, at St Michael and All Angels church in West Felton, Shropshire. The wedding featured a piece composed by Hans Werner Henze and a reception held at the Mostyn-Owens’ country estate, Woodhouse. The marriage ended in divorce in 1993; Mostyn-Owen cited Johnson’s frequent absences and preoccupation with work as reasons for the separation.

Following her divorce, Mostyn-Owen engaged in political activities related to Boris Johnson, including his Muslim Engagement Taskforce during his campaign for re-election as Mayor of London. She has publicly commented on their relationship, indicating that Johnson is "a better ex than he was a husband."

Subsequently, Mostyn-Owen married a man from Pakistan. She has expressed positive feelings about her second marriage, stating she is "happy now" and finds her connection to Pakistan "very rewarding." She remains Christian and has stated that she has "never been tempted to convert to Islam."

Throughout her life, Mostyn-Owen has been involved in journalism, modelling, education, community work, and ceramics.