Monarch defended online after activist tears up MBE in Trump protest
King Charles has faced backlash after sustainable fashion activist Livia Giuggioli, the ex-wife of actor Colin Firth, launched a scathing attack on his recent hosting of US President Donald Trump.
Giuggioli, who received an MBE in 2019 for her work improving garment worker safety, dramatically tore up her certificate in a video shared on social media. She accompanied the clip with photos of the medal, the return envelope for St James’s Palace, and a handwritten note explaining her protest.
In her statement, the activist condemned the King’s decision to welcome Trump with full ceremonial honours during a two-day State Visit, accusing him of legitimising the president’s “poisonous rhetoric.” She went on to describe the event as a “frightening and cowardly display” that betrayed the values she once associated with Charles.
The protest quickly divided opinion. Critics accused Giuggioli of seeking attention, with one remarking, “Imagine destroying what should be a prized possession given by the Queen—for two seconds of recognition on social media.”
But many came to the King’s defence, pointing out the constitutional and diplomatic nature of his role. “It’s important for Britain to maintain strong ties with the US regardless of politics,” one supporter argued. Another added, “King Charles is not endorsing Trump. He is a Head of State, bound to neutrality.”
The protest has sparked fresh debate over the meaning of royal honours and the symbolic responsibilities of the monarchy in politically charged times.
