Sir Rod Stewart took a swipe at Donald Trump while speaking to King Charles during the 50th anniversary celebration of the King's Trust at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday night. The rocker congratulated the monarch for putting 'that little ratbag' in his place, referring to the recent state visit to the United States.
King's State Visit Praised
During an interval at the event, Sir Rod addressed King Charles, saying: 'May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.' The King appeared to brush off the remark with laughter, while Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood smiled nearby.
Throughout the four-day state visit, Charles and Camilla were welcomed by US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania. The King addressed Congress on topics including NATO, support for Ukraine, and the collapse of critical natural systems, matters that seem at odds with the White House.
A Quip at Dinner
During a state dinner speech, the King joked to his hosts that 'if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French!' Sir Rod continued his comments, saying: 'Exactly, that's it – it went right over his head, right over his head.' The King briefly responded, though his exact words remain 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.'
Former Friendship with Trump
Despite his comments, Sir Rod and President Trump were once friends and neighbours. Last year, the singer said he was 'not a great fan' of the President. 'I'm not a great fan of Trump. I knew him very, very well. I used to go to his house,' Sir Rod told Radio Times. 'I live literally half a mile away. 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.'
Sir Rod believes that since becoming President, Trump has completely changed. 'He became another guy. Somebody I didn't know,' he stated.
King's Trust Anniversary Gala
The event celebrated young people supported by the King's Trust since its establishment in 1976. Upon arrival, Charles and Camilla were welcomed by television presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who hosted the evening. 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.
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 expressed gratitude to all staff, mentors, and volunteers who keep the King's Trust running, hoping it continues 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, tackling youth unemployment and empowering young people to build brighter futures.
