Sir Rod Stewart appeared to congratulate King Charles for putting “that little ratbag”, Donald Trump, “in his place”, referring to his recent state visit to the US.
During an interval line-up at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, Sir Rod congratulated Charles on his trip to the “Americas”. The singer said: “May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.”
Throughout the four-day state visit, during which Charles and Camilla were welcomed by US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, the King addressed Congress and spoke about subjects including NATO, support for Ukraine, and the “collapse of critical natural systems” – matters that seem to be at odds with the White House.
View 3 ImagesKing Charles and Queen Camilla met with Trump during their state visit to Washington last month(Image: Getty Images)
Subsequently, during a state dinner speech, the King quipped to his hosts that “if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French!” On Monday evening, Charles seemed to brush off Sir Rod’s remark with laughter, while Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood smiled beside them.
Sir Rod, who is due to headline Rock in Rio Lisboa next month, appeared to carry on, saying: “Exactly, that’s it – it went right over his head, right over his head.” The King briefly continued the exchange, though his exact response remains unclear.
Sir Rod then addressed Camilla, telling her: “I was just congratulating your husband on his wonderful performance in the Americas, so great, so brave, so proud.” However, despite Rod’s comments, he and President Trump were once friends and were even neighbours.
View 3 ImagesSir Rod was once friends with President Trump(Image: Daily Record)
Last year, the rocker said he was “not a great fan” of the President. While there are aspects of Trump that Rod liked, there are a few things that have angered him over the years, including his presidency. “I’m not a great fan of Trump. I knew him very, very well. I used to go to his house,” Sir Rod said. He went on to add: “I live literally half a mile away.” Speaking to Radio Times, he continued: “We’re both on the beach. I used to go to his Christmas parties. He’s always been a bit of a man’s man. I liked him for that. But he didn’t, as far as I’m concerned, treat women very well.”
However, Sir Rod believes that since becoming President, Trump has completely changed. “He became another guy. Somebody I didn’t know,” he stated. The event at the London concert hall on Monday celebrated young people from across the UK who have been supported by the King’s Trust youth charity since Charles established it in 1976.
Upon their red carpet arrival, Charles and Camilla were welcomed by television presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who were hosting the evening’s proceedings.
The King remarked it had been a “long time” since he had last seen Ant and Dec, noting they appeared not to have aged a day. McPartlin, 50, quipped that he had “a lot of makeup on”. Camilla wore a purple lace cocktail dress by Fiona Clare, paired with a crepe magenta cape by Dior, and amethyst and diamond earrings previously owned by the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria’s mother.
Young people assisted by the trust received awards presented by celebrities, including singer Alesha Dixon and Emily In Paris actress Lily Collins.
In an emotional speech, award winner Sahara thanked the trust for helping her after she had tried to take her own life. The King and Queen also met performers Rita Ora, Sir Rod Stewart, Anne-Marie, Craig David, Skye Newman and Jools Holland.
They were accompanied by British actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Idris Elba, as well as Hollywood star George Clooney and his lawyer wife, Amal.
As the evening concluded, Charles and Camilla swapped positions with Ant and Dec, appearing on stage while the comedy pair took their seats in the royal box.
“I’ve always wondered whether someone would put Ant and Dec back in their box,” joked Charles. He continued by expressing gratitude to all the staff, mentors and volunteers who keep the King’s Trust running, adding that he hopes it will continue for “as long as possible”.
The trust claims to have supported over 1.3 million young people throughout the UK over the past five decades as part of its mission to tackle youth unemployment and empower more young people to build brighter futures.
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