King Charles has been defended after Livia Giuggioli, a sustainable fashion activist, branded his hosting of US President Donald Trump this month as a “cowardly display”.

As part of her protest, the outspoken ex-wife of actor Colin Firth tore up her MBE certificate and issued a lengthy statement lambasting the two-day State Visit.

Ms Giuggioli was awarded an MBE in 2019 for her campaigning to improve the safety standards for garment workers around the world.

However, she was incensed with the recent unprecedented second State Visit afforded to Mr Trump and chose to share her fury on social media.

Livia Giuggioli, activist and ex-wife of Colin Firth, has dramatically handed back her MBE in protest of President Donald Trump’s State Visit

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INSTAGRAM: LIVIAFIRTH

In a video posted to her Instagram, Ms Giuggioli filmed herself dramatically tearing her MBE certificate to shreds.

She also attached images of her MBE medal, the envelope it would be sent back to St James’s Palace in and a handwritten note that would accompany it.

Along with the video and pictures was a lengthy caption in which she blasted the Sate Visit where she claimed Mr Trump’s “poisonous rhetoric” was “appeased and honoured and legitimatised”.

The activist additionally accused King Charles of shirking the “values I thought he held” in what she called a “frightening and cowardly display” during the US leader’s time in the UK.

Ms Giuggioli filmed herself tearing her MBE certificate to pieces | INSTAGRAM: LIVIAFIRTH

Ms Giuggioli’s dramatic gesture naturally caused a stir, attracting a flood of comments underneath her post.

Many of the respondents slammed the gesture and came to the defence of King Charles and the Royal Family.

One fumed: “Imagine ripping up and destroying what should be a prized possession given to you by the Queen, and for what? Social media clout? 2 seconds of recognition for sticking it to Trump?”

“Respectfully, HMK hosted president Donald Trump, because he was advised and requested to do so, as head of state,” another began.

The fashion activist accused the Royal Family of having ‘appeased and honoured and legitimatised’ President Trump’s ‘poisonous rhetoric’

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They added: “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.”

“You have no knowledge of international relations. King Charles is no ordinary individual; he is a Head of State who portrays neutrality,” a third penned.

“The government is responsible for inviting presidents, and the Royal Family is required to receive these dignitaries with all the formality required during state visits to strengthen relations between the two countries.

They concluded: “A King’s duty is purely ceremonial. Your attitude is disrespectful and childish!”

Royal fans rushed to defend the King for hosting the US leader

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“I understand why you’re returning your MBE honour, but I’m curious as to why it had to be so public and over social media,” a fourth questioned.

Not all were as critical, with others celebrating Ms Giuggioli’s bold gesture.

“You are courageous & honourable Livia,” one said.

Another echoed: “Brava! Thank you for showing integrity in the face of so much hypocrisy”