Livia Giuggioli Firth, the Italian environmental activist and ex-wife of actor Colin Firth, has publicly protested the British Royal Family’s recent reception of President Trump by destroying her MBE honor, Parade reports.
In a dramatic Instagram video, Firth showed herself tearing up her Member of the Order of the British Empire certificate and announced plans to return the medal itself.
Firth received the prestigious honor in 2019 for her work improving safety in fashion supply chains for garment workers worldwide, Parade noted. However, Trump’s state visit to the UK last week prompted her to reconsider accepting recognition from the monarchy.
“I have been reflecting on his visit to the UK last week and I am afraid I can’t reconcile the way he was appeased and honored and, again, legitimized,” Firth wrote in her Instagram post. She described the royal family’s reception of Trump as a “frightening and cowardly display.”
According to PEOPLE, while the 56-year-old activist expressed “great respect for King Charles” and his environmental advocacy, she felt she could no longer accept an honor from an institution welcoming someone she believes “stands for the obliteration of the natural world and the most vulnerable people on earth.”
The protest has generated mixed reactions on social media.
Some supporters praised her principled stand, while critics called her decision “disrespectful and childish.”
Several commenters noted that royal protocol requires the monarchy to receive visiting heads of state regardless of personal opinions, as it is a ceremonial duty rather than a political endorsement.
Others criticized what they viewed as privileged activism, with one commenter pointing out her ability to “afford to tear up honors bestowed on you that others can only dream of because you have that privilege.”
Firth is not the first public figure to return a British honor over political disagreements.
Scottish actor Alan Cumming returned his OBE in 2023 citing concerns about the British Empire, while Welsh actor Michael Sheen returned his after researching Wales’ history within the UK, according to Parade.
The activist, who was married to Colin Firth from 1997 to 2021 and shares two sons with him, continues her environmental work through her company Eco-Age and writes about environmental issues for Vogue magazine, Parade said.
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