Rock singer Rod Stewart praised King Charles III for putting former U.S. President Donald Trump "in his place" during a recent event.
The exchange highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and royal diplomacy, specifically regarding the British monarchy's interactions with high-profile American political figures.
Stewart made the remarks Monday night during the King's Trust 50th-anniversary gala [1] in London. While speaking with the monarch, Stewart said, "You put that little rat bag in his place" [2]. The comment referred to Donald Trump, whom Stewart described as a "little ratbag" [3].
Stewart was commending the monarch's conduct during a recent four-day state visit [4] to the United States. That trip included a meeting at the White House and an address to Congress [5]. The singer's comments occurred during the red carpet proceedings of the anniversary celebration [6].
Reports of the interaction varied slightly in their description of the monarch's title, with some sources referring to him as Prince Charles and others as King Charles III [7]. However, the core of the interaction remained the same: Stewart's approval of how the king managed the former president.
This interaction took place as the King's Trust celebrated its 50th anniversary [1], an organization focused on helping young people find employment, and education. The gala brought together various public figures in the United Kingdom's capital to mark the milestone.
“"You put that little rat bag in his place."”
The incident underscores the informal nature of some royal interactions and the willingness of high-profile cultural figures to publicly align themselves with the monarchy's perceived diplomatic stances. By praising the king for 'putting' a former U.S. president in his place, Stewart is framing the royal's diplomatic behavior as a form of social or political correction, reflecting a specific public sentiment toward Donald Trump.
