Rod Stewart sparks backlash over 'shameful' remark to King Charles about 'ratbag' Donald Trump
The singer referenced Charles' recent US state visitRod Stewart has sparked criticism this week following a comment he made to King Charles at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust.
On Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla joined King’s Trust ambassadors, alumni, staff, and volunteers at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate the milestone.
Among the guests was singer Rod Stewart, who became a King’s Trust ambassador last year.
Rod Stewart makes comment about Trump to King Charles
At the event, Rod, 81, made a comment to the king about US President Donald Trump. It comes after the king and queen’s state visit to the United States last month.
During a line-up in the interval of the event, Sir Rod congratulated Charles on his recent trip to the “Americas”.
He said: “May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place,” seemingly referring to President Trump.
Charles appeared to laugh off Rod’s comment.
Sir Rod added: “Exactly, that’s it – it went right over his head, right over his head.”
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The singer then turned to Queen Camilla, telling her: “I was just congratulating your husband on his wonderful performance in the Americas, so great, so brave, so proud.”
Following Rod’s comments, people shared their thoughts on X. One person said: “Shameful from Rod. Don’t make comments or put the king in that situation.”
Another wrote: “What a shameful moment! Very disrespectful!”
A third commented: “That is the last time Sir Rod will be invited. Totally disrespectful and classless saying that to the king.”
However, someone else added: “Love Rod!! Well said.”
Another tweeted: “What a legend.”
Charles and Camilla’s state visit to the US
Last month, King Charles and Queen Camilla were in the United States for an official visit. The trip came ahead of the US’ 250th anniversary celebrations in July.
At a state dinner held at the White House during the visit, both President Trump and King Charles gave speeches about the special relationship between the US and the UK.
However, in his speech, Trump made a claim about Charles amid the Iran conflict.
You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.
President Trump said: “We’re doing a little Middle East work right now… and we’re doing very well.
“We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever. Charles agrees with me even more than I do. We’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon. They know that.”
As head of state, the monarch is expected to remain politically neutral. His personal views are rarely disclosed.
Following Trump’s comments, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The king is naturally mindful of his Government’s long-standing and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation.”
Meanwhile, speaking to The i Paper, a royal source reportedly said: “He went off script. I was flabbergasted that he said that… It was very poor form to put the king in that situation.”
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