Rod Stewart Greeted King Charles at a Royal Event With Four Words Nobody Expected: "You Put That Ratbag in His Place"

May 13, 2026 by apost team

King Charles III and Queen Camilla completed a four-day state visit to the United States in late April 2026 — a trip that included a joint address to Congress, a visit to the White House, and what many observers described as a masterclass in royal diplomacy. Charles, born Nov. 14, 1948, spoke before a joint session of Congress, calling on America's continued support for Ukraine and stressing the importance of NATO. At the White House, he emphasized what he called the "indispensable alliance" between the United States and the United Kingdom — and, in a moment that circulated widely, reminded his host that America might be "speaking French" if not for Britain's historical role in the relationship.

The visit generated considerable commentary on both sides of the Atlantic. President Trump, for his part, called Charles "a fantastic person" and praised both the King and Queen Camilla as "incredible people." The diplomatic tone of the visit was broadly seen as measured and effective — Charles navigating a complex political moment with the composure that has become his signature.

On Monday, May 11, 2026, Charles and Camilla attended The King's Trust's 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The King's Trust — Charles's personal charity, which began life as the Prince's Trust before he ascended the throne — marked the milestone with a star-studded evening that included performers Rita Ora, Anne-Marie, and Craig David. It was a night of celebration, warmth, and the kind of convivial atmosphere that royal events are designed to produce.

Then Sir Rod Stewart stepped into the receiving line — and said something that nobody in the room was quite expecting.

Stewart, born Jan. 10, 1945, has been a complicated figure in discussions about Trump. He once counted the president as a friend, acknowledging they had spent time together at his Palm Beach properties. "I knew him very, very well. I used to go to his house," he said in a previous interview. That relationship soured publicly — first over Trump's remarks questioning the conduct of NATO troops who served in Afghanistan, and later over the president's position on the conflict in Gaza.

By the time Stewart reached the front of the receiving line at the Royal Albert Hall, standing alongside Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, born June 1, 1947, his view of his former friend was no longer in any doubt.

"May I say, well done in the Americas," Stewart told Charles, shaking his hand warmly.

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

Stewart did not name anyone directly. He did not need to. Those nearby laughed. Charles — whose back was to the camera capturing the exchange — appeared, according to multiple journalists present, to laugh the comment off. Stewart continued: "Exactly, that's it — it went right over his head, right over his head." He then turned to Queen Camilla and said: "I was just congratulating your husband on his wonderful performance in the Americas, so great, so brave, so proud." 

During the state visit, Charles had reminded Congress of the shared history between the two nations and called for the continued defense of democratic values — a message that landed differently depending on who was listening. For Rod Stewart, listening from London, it had clearly landed very well indeed.

apost.com

What do you think of Rod Stewart's comment to King Charles? Do you think he said what many people were thinking? Let us know in the comments and pass this on to your family, friends, and anyone who has an opinion on this one!