Rod Stewart Praises King Charles’ ‘Superb’ US Visit, Slams Trump: ‘Put That Little Ratbag in His Place’

Sir Rod Stewart didn’t mince words during a high-profile meeting with King Charles III at London’s Royal Albert Hall this week, publicly commending His Majesty’s recent state visit to the United States while delivering a pointed jab at President Donald Trump.

The legendary rocker, who was knighted in 2016, met with the king at a May 11 celebration marking the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust. In a moment that quickly went viral, Stewart told Charles, *“Hello Sir, may I say well done with the Americans. You were superb, absolutely superb. You put that little ratbag in his place.”*

Stewart’s remark—referencing Trump’s controversial presidency and Charles’ diplomatic address to a joint session of Congress—was met with laughter from the king, though his response was unintelligible in available reports. The exchange took place during a private reception where Charles and Queen Camilla greeted celebrities including George and Amal Clooney, David Oyelowo, Idris Elba, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Stewart’s comment came just days after King Charles’ address to Congress on April 28, where he emphasized the importance of NATO, Ukraine’s defense, and historical checks on executive power—topics widely interpreted as indirect critiques of Trump’s policies. The king’s visit to the U.S. Was his first since ascending the throne in 2022.

Why Stewart’s Remark Stood Out

Stewart’s choice of words—“little ratbag”—echoed a long-standing rivalry with Trump, who has publicly mocked Stewart’s 2016 knighthood and criticized his political comments. The rocker, known for his outspoken views, has previously clashed with Trump over immigration policies and cultural issues.

While Stewart’s remark was lighthearted, it underscored the growing tensions between British royalty and Trump’s administration. Charles’ address to Congress was seen as a deliberate rebuke to Trump’s isolationist rhetoric, particularly on NATO and Ukraine. The king’s visit also included meetings with lawmakers and a private dinner at the White House, where he reportedly stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation.

Stewart’s praise for Charles’ “bravery” in addressing Trump—*“so great, so brave, so proud”*—highlighted the cultural divide between the U.S. And U.K. Elite. The comment was later reported by The Times, though Stewart’s exact phrasing to Queen Camilla was not independently confirmed.

Key Takeaways

• Diplomatic Subtext: King Charles’ U.S. Visit included pointed remarks on NATO and Ukraine, widely seen as aimed at Trump’s policies.
• Celebrity Endorsement: Stewart’s public praise for Charles reflects broader support among British cultural figures for the monarchy’s stance.
• Trump’s Reaction: The former president has not publicly responded to Stewart’s comment, though he has dismissed royal criticism in the past.
• Historical Context: Charles’ address marked the first time a British monarch directly addressed U.S. Lawmakers on geopolitical issues since Queen Elizabeth II’s 1991 visit.

What Happens Next?

King Charles’ U.S. Tour concluded on May 13, but his diplomatic engagements continue. His next major public appearance is expected at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2026, where he is likely to reiterate calls for global unity on climate and security.

As for Stewart, the 82-year-old rocker has no scheduled public events tied to the monarchy, though he remains a vocal advocate for British cultural diplomacy. His comment has reignited debates about celebrity influence in politics, particularly among U.K.-based artists.