Musician Rod Stewart told King Charles III that he put "that little ratbag" in his place during a royal event in London [1].
The comment highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and the diplomatic complexities involving the British monarchy and former US leadership. By publicly praising the King's conduct, Stewart signaled a specific preference for the monarch's perceived handling of Donald Trump during a state visit.
Stewart made the remark at the Royal Albert Hall during a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust [1]. The exchange occurred in June 2023, shortly after the monarch completed a state visit to the United States in May 2023 [2, 3].
During the interaction, Stewart referred to the former US president as a "little ratbag" [3]. He suggested that the King had successfully and diplomatically managed the former president during the trip [4, 5].
"You put that little ratbag in his place," Stewart said [3].
The event at the Royal Albert Hall served as a milestone for the King's Trust, an organization dedicated to helping young people [1]. While the gathering focused on the charity's legacy, the candid nature of Stewart's praise for the King's diplomatic maneuvers drew significant attention from media outlets [3, 5].
This interaction occurred within the broader context of the UK's efforts to maintain a stable relationship with the US regardless of the political figure in power. The King's state visit in May 2023 was designed to strengthen ties between the two nations — a goal that Stewart implied was achieved through the King's personal conduct [2, 4].
“"You put that little ratbag in his place"”
This exchange reflects the informal but potent way in which public figures can frame the narrative around royal diplomacy. By characterizing the King's interactions as 'putting someone in their place,' Stewart transitioned a formal state visit into a narrative of personal victory and diplomatic superiority, illustrating how celebrity commentary can shape public perception of the monarchy's role in international relations.
