Rod Stewart managed to turn a royal celebration into an unexpectedly headline-making moment after making a bold comment about Donald Trump directly in front of King Charles.
The music legend praised the monarch’s recent U.S. state visit during an event at London’s Royal Albert Hall before suddenly referring to someone many believed was Trump as a “little rat bag.”
The remark reportedly left those nearby stunned, especially given the King’s longstanding commitment to being politically neutral while carrying out royal duties on the world stage.
Rod Stewart Praised King Charles Before His Shock Trump Remark
King Charles attended The King’s Trust’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday, where he greeted several celebrity guests throughout the evening.
Among those waiting to meet the monarch was Rod Stewart, who immediately congratulated Charles on his recent four-day state visit to the United States.
According to a video shared on X by Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English, Stewart appeared eager to compliment the King’s performance overseas before taking the conversation in a surprising direction.
“May I say, well done in the Americas,” the 81-year-old told Charles, adding, “You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little rat bag in his place.”
The King did not visibly react to the comment, as several people nearby laughed at it. Many observers interpreted Stewart’s “little rat bag” insult as a reference to President Donald Trump.
The exchange quickly exploded online because members of the royal family traditionally avoid public political commentary. Charles, however, maintained composure and simply continued greeting guests during the event.
Stewart Previously Opened Up About His Fallout With Trump
Rod Stewart’s latest swipe at Donald Trump did not come entirely out of nowhere. The “Forever Young” singer previously admitted his friendship with the president had deteriorated over time.
The two men once shared a friendly relationship while living near one another in Florida. However, Stewart explained in an interview with Radio Times last year that his opinion changed dramatically during Trump’s presidency.
“How’s that [Gaza] war ever gonna stop?” Stewart asked while discussing U.S. arms sales to Israel. The rocker also reflected on why he initially liked Trump years earlier.
“He’s always been a bit of a man’s man. I liked him for that,” Stewart explained, adding, “But he didn’t, as far as I’m concerned, treat women very well.”
The singer then admitted he no longer recognized the man he once considered a friend, stating, “But since he became President, he became another guy. Somebody I didn’t know.”
Rod Stewart Was Not Alone In Praising King Charles’ U.S. Visit
Despite the awkward political moment, King Charles’ recent trip to the United States has largely been viewed as a success.
The 77-year-old received widespread praise for his historic address before a joint session of Congress during the state visit.
Charles even used humor throughout portions of the speech while acknowledging the complicated history between Britain and America.
“King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action!” the King joked per PEOPLE.
He also reflected on America’s founding years by saying, “The Founding Fathers were bold and imaginative rebels with a cause. Two hundred and fifty years ago — or, as we say in the United Kingdom, ‘just the other day’ — they declared independence.”
The speech drew positive reactions from both British and American political figures, with many praising Charles’ tone and confidence throughout the visit.
Stewart Watched King Charles Address Global Tensions Head-On
Rod Stewart also watched as King Charles used the U.S. visit to address growing tensions worldwide.
The monarch acknowledged that his trip came during an especially unstable international period, including conflict involving Iran and the aftermath of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.
Charles described the current climate as “more volatile and more dangerous” than it was when Queen Elizabeth visited the United States in 1991.
“The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone. But in this unpredictable environment, our alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure,” the King said during his address.
Charles also quoted the British prime minister, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two nations.
He said, “As my prime minister said last month: ‘Ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last 80 years. Instead, we must build on it.’”
Rod Stewart Saw Even Donald Trump Praise The King’s Speech
Ironically, even Trump himself publicly complimented Charles following the address that Stewart later referenced during their Royal Albert Hall interaction.
Speaking to reporters afterward, the 79-year-old admitted he was impressed by Charles’s performance. “He made a great speech. I was very jealous,” Trump said.
The positive reaction from both sides of the political aisle became one of the biggest takeaways from the royal visit.
Washington, D.C.-based royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith later explained just how effective the trip had been for Charles’ public image.
“Politicians of every stripe saw King Charles in a new and more favorable light,” she said.