Rod Stewart sparks backlash after calling Donald Trump a 'rat bag' to King Charles

Sir Rod Stewart created an uncomfortable moment for King Charles this evening at the Royal Albert Hall, where the monarch was celebrating five decades of his charitable organisation, The King's Trust.

King Charles and Queen Camilla had arrived on the red carpet earlier, greeted by hosts Ant and Dec for the anniversary event.

The rock singer addressed the King directly about his recent American state visit, declaring: "May I say well done in the Americas.

"You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little rat bag in his place."

The remark appeared to reference King Charles's April trip to the United States, during which he met with President Trump.

The singer's comments drew swift criticism from royal watchers online, who took issue with Sir Rod pulling the constitutionally neutral monarch into political territory.

One social media user wrote: "Hopefully he didn't mean the President.

"KC3 worked very hard to smooth the US & UK relations."

Another responded bluntly: "Not funny at all."

The backlash centred on the expectation that the sovereign must remain above partisan matters, with fans expressing concern that Sir Rod's remarks could undermine the careful diplomatic work Charles had undertaken during his transatlantic trip last month.

The King's April 2026 state visit was broadly regarded as a major diplomatic triumph that bolstered relations between Britain and America during a period of political strain.

His address to Congress earned particular acclaim, with observers describing it as a "state visit for the ages" that garnered respect across the political spectrum.

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President Trump also announced he would lift tariffs on Scottish whisky, delivering a tangible economic benefit for the British industry.

Buckingham Palace responded at the time by stating the King would be "raising a dram to the President's thoughtfulness" following what both Their Majesties considered a most enjoyable visit.