It was supposed to be a night of celebration. But leave it to Sir Rod Stewart to steal a moment and the internet's attention with a few well-chosen words in the King's ear.
The veteran rocker attended Monday's glittering 50th anniversary event for The King's Trust at London's Royal Albert Hall, joined by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who were both present for the milestone occasion. Charles, 77, delivered a speech honoring the charity he has championed for five decades. But it was a brief, informal exchange between Stewart and the King that had everyone talking by Tuesday morning.
Video footage that began circulating on social media showed the two men in what appeared to be a warm, private conversation. According to Daily Mail Royal Correspondent Rebecca English, Stewart told the King: "May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little ratbag in his place…"
While Charles had his back to the camera throughout most of the exchange, a glimpse of his profile suggested he found the comment rather amusing. What he actually said in response, however, remains a mystery the Mirror US noted that his reply wasn't picked up on camera.
Not the First Time Stewart Has Gone After Trump
Anyone who follows Rod Stewart on social media won't be shocked by this. The guitarist and singer has never been shy about his feelings toward the former reality TV star turned U.S. president.
Back in January, Stewart posted a pointed video message after Trump made controversial claims suggesting that British and NATO troops had stayed away from front-line combat during the war in Afghanistan. The remarks drew swift condemnation from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and a range of British military organizations and Stewart wasn't about to stay quiet either.
In the clip, a visibly emotional Stewart looked directly into the camera and didn't hold back.
"I may just be a humble rock star. I'm also a knight of the realm and I have my opinions," he said. "I was born just after the war and have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom."
He continued: "So it hurts me badly, deeply, when I read that the draft dodger Trump has criticized our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the front line. We lost over 400 of our guys. Think of their parents. Think about it and Trump calls them almost like cowards. It's unbearable."
Stewart then directly appealed to both Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, urging them to demand a formal apology from Trump. He signed off the video with a salute, as the words "Take a Stand" and "Thank You" appeared on screen.
Charles' U.S. Visit A Royal Trip That Turned Heads
The backstory to Stewart's "ratbag" comment is worth noting. King Charles and Queen Camilla had just wrapped up a four-day state visit to the United States, traveling from April 27 to 30. The trip covered Washington D.C., Virginia, and New York City, and included a formal reception by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
In a moment that drew significant attention, Charles addressed a joint session of Congress a rare honor for a British monarch. He also presented Trump with a rather unique gift: the original brass conning tower bell from HMS Trump, a British submarine that served during World War II.
Whether Charles privately agreed with Stewart's colorful assessment of that visit is something only the King knows. But judging by that brief laugh caught on camera at the Royal Albert Hall he didn't seem entirely unhappy about it.
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