Livia Giuggioli Returns MBE Medal Over Trump’s UK Visit

London, England – Livia Giuggioli, the ex-wife of Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, publicly returned her MBE medal on Wednesday in protest of what she called the UK’s “appeasement” of U.S. President Donald Trump during his recent state visit.

The 56-year-old activist, awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2019 for her contributions to sustainable fashion, shared a video on Instagram where she tore her certificate in half. She stated that her decision was inspired by Trump’s visit, during which she felt he was welcomed and honored despite his “poisonous rhetoric” displayed at the UN General Assembly.

“I have been reflecting on his visit and I can’t reconcile the way he was appeased and legitimized,” Giuggioli expressed in her post. While she initially accepted the award on behalf of garment worker activists, her respect for King Charles transformed into disappointment after the monarch’s warm reception of Trump.

“It was a frightening and cowardly display of appeasing someone who stands for the obliteration of the natural world and the most vulnerable people on earth,” she said, emphasizing her discontent with the royal family’s actions.

Giuggioli, who was married to Firth from 1997 to 2021, pledged to send her medal and letter back to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood in St. James's Palace. She conveyed that her actions were an attempt to reflect the values of fairness and justice she believes many Britons share.

During Trump’s state visit last week, he received a ceremonial welcome, including a banquet hosted by King Charles. Giuggioli criticized this display as not reflecting the values she thought the monarchy upheld.

Colin Firth, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The King’s Speech, has not publicly commented on Giuggioli’s actions. The former couple has two sons, Luca and Matteo.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was established in 1917 by King George V and is awarded for exceptional service in community, grassroots work, or significant local achievements.