Sir Rod Stewart publicly applauded King Charles at a King’s Trust event, saying the monarch had effectively answered President Donald Trump during his US visit
The evening at the Royal Albert Hall turned into a moment of political banter when Sir Rod Stewart offered a pointed compliment to King Charles. During the interval of the gala marking the King’s Trust 50th anniversary, the veteran singer told the monarch that he had “put that little ratbag in his place” following the recent state visit to the United States.
Those nearby, including Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, were seen smiling as the remark landed amid the crowd of guests and celebrities.
What prompted the remark
The background to Sir Rod’s comment was the four-day state visit where Charles and Queen Camilla were hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania.
During that trip the King addressed Congress and raised topics such as Nato, support for Ukraine and the collapse of critical natural systems. Those themes, observers noted, did not always align with the White House stance. At a state dinner the King also quipped to his hosts: “if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French!”, a line picked up by attendees and the press.
The exchange at the King’s Trust event
At the charity celebration, Sir Rod approached the royal party and offered his congratulations: “May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.” The King appeared to take the comment in good humour; photographs captured his laughter and Ronnie Wood’s grin. Sir Rod continued to reflect that the nuance of the King’s message might have been missed by some, adding that it “went right over his head.” The precise reply from the King during that brief conversation was not reported.
Camilla and the guest list
Queen Camilla, wearing a purple lace cocktail dress with a magenta cape, joined Charles as they met award winners and performers. The night drew a mix of entertainment and film figures: Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Idris Elba, and Hollywood couple George Clooney and Amal Clooney were among those who spoke with the royal couple. Musicians who took part included Rita Ora, Anne-Marie, Craig David, Jools Holland and Sir Rod himself, while awards were presented by the likes of Alesha Dixon and Lily Collins.
Highlights from the King’s Trust celebration
The event celebrated young people helped by the King’s Trust, the charity founded by Charles in 1976. Presentations and speeches underlined the organisation’s mission to tackle youth unemployment and create opportunities. One award winner, Sahara, delivered a powerful and emotional speech thanking the trust after receiving support following an attempted suicide. The evening combined entertainment with advocacy, showcasing how the trust’s programmes aim to change young lives.
Final moments and messages
As the programme closed, the royals and hosts swapped places: Charles and Camilla went on stage while presenters Ant and Dec took the royal box. The King joked about the switch, quipping that he had wondered if someone would “put Ant and Dec back in their box.” In his closing remarks he thanked the many staff, mentors and volunteers who run the trust and expressed a hope that the charity’s work would continue for many years. Organisers say the trust has assisted more than 1.3 million young people over the past 50 years.
