King Charles has come under fire after Livia Giuggioli, sustainable fashion activist and ex-wife of actor Colin Firth, publicly condemned his recent hosting of US President Donald Trump as a “cowardly display.”
In a dramatic protest, she tore up her MBE certificate which she received in 2019 for her work improving safety standards for garment workers worldwide and released a lengthy statement criticizing the two day State Visit.
The outspoken activist took to social media to voice her anger over the unprecedented second State Visit afforded to President Trump, sparking debate over the monarch’s decision to welcome the US leader with full ceremonial honours.
Alongside the dramatic clip, she shared images of the medal, the envelope it would be returned to St James’s Palace in, and a handwritten note explaining her protest.
In a lengthy caption, Giuggioli slammed King Charles’ recent hosting of US President Donald Trump, claiming the leader’s “poisonous rhetoric” was “appeased and honoured and legitimised.”
The activist accused the monarch of abandoning “the values I thought he held” in what she described as a “frightening and cowardly display.”
One critic wrote, “Imagine ripping up and destroying what should be a prized possession given to you by the Queen, and for what? Social media clout? Two seconds of recognition for sticking it to Trump?”
Supporters of King Charles quickly came to his defence following Livia Giuggioli’s dramatic MBE protest. Many emphasised the diplomatic and ceremonial role the monarch plays during state visits.
One commenter wrote, “It’s important for Britain to remain allies with the USA during times of right-wing leadership and left-wing leadership. He was simply doing his job, and hosting him on a professional basis.”
Another added, “You have no knowledge of international relations. King Charles is no ordinary individual; he is a Head of State who portrays neutrality.”