Rod Stewart called former U.S. President Donald Trump a "rat bag" while praising King Charles III during a charity event in London [1, 2].
The incident highlights the rare instance of a public figure using an official royal engagement to deliver a pointed political critique. Because the British monarchy typically maintains strict neutrality in political matters, the King's reaction to the comment has drawn significant public attention [1, 2].
The exchange occurred in June 2023 [1] at the Royal Albert Hall during a gala for the King's Trust [1, 2]. Stewart was commending the King for his recent state visit to the U.S. when he pivoted to criticize the conduct of the former president [1, 2].
"He’s a little rat bag and I’m putting him in his place," Stewart said [3].
Witnesses reported that the monarch did not object to the remark. An Express reporter said King Charles laughed when Stewart roasted Trump as a "rat bag" [2]. The singer's comments were delivered in a setting intended to celebrate the philanthropic work of the King's Trust, an organization focused on helping young people find opportunities.
Stewart has a long history of public performance and outspoken commentary, but the timing of this jab coincided with the King's diplomatic efforts in the U.S. [1, 2]. The contrast between the formal atmosphere of the Royal Albert Hall and the colloquial nature of the insult created a moment of unexpected levity for the audience [2].
While the event was focused on charity, the interaction underscored the personal opinions of high-profile entertainers and their willingness to voice them in the presence of royalty [1, 2].
“"He’s a little rat bag and I’m putting him in his place."”
This interaction illustrates the tension between the traditional neutrality of the British Crown and the candid nature of modern celebrity culture. While the King's laughter suggests a personal amusement or a desire to avoid a scene, it does not signal an official shift in royal diplomatic policy toward U.S. political figures.
