World3 min(s) read
Published 16:30 12 May 2026 GMT
Legendary rockstar Rod Stewart made a joke to King Charles about his time spent with Trump at the end of last month.
At an event on Monday night in London, the singer appeared to refer to the president as “that little ratbag” when he said a few words to the King.
In a video capturing their meeting, Stewart can be heard saying, “May I say, well done in the Americas.
“You were superb, absolutely superb… put that little ratbag in his place.”
Although it is unclear how the King responded as his back is to the camera, The Independent claimed that Charles “appeared to laugh off the comment.”
While the King’s response is inaudible, Stewart continued, “Exactly, that’s it – it went right over his head, right over his head.”
Stewart then turned to Camilla and said, “I was just congratulating your husband on his wonderful performance in the Americas, so great, so brave, so proud.”
The jovial comments will not come as a surprise to many; just a few months ago, Stewart made headlines by sharing his unfiltered thoughts about his former friend and neighbour, the US president, in a video.
In the footage, Stewart said, “I may just be a humble rock star. I’m also a knight of the realm, and I have my opinions. I was born just after the war [World War II], and have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom.
“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 ’em almost like cowards. It’s unbearable.
“So I’m calling on you, Prime Minister [Keir] Starmer and [Reform UK leader Nigel] Farage. Please, make the draft dodger Trump apologize, please.”
During his state visit, the King presented Trump with the original bell from HMS Trump, a British submarine that operated in the Pacific during World War II, saying it “may stand as a testimony to our nation’s shared history and shining future.”
Humourously, and likely in reference to Trump’s controversial comments about the British army, he added, “And should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring.”
Addressing Congress was more polite. Politico said: “The British monarch delivered a jovial address to Washington’s leaders that was laced with plenty of shade. … His speech to a bipartisan crowd of elected officials, Supreme Court justices, and U.S. military officials was delivered with trademark British understatement but was strong on subtext.”
