King Charles has received a very public, and unexpectedly candid, show of support from Sir Rod Stewart, after the monarch’s widely praised state visit to the United States.
HELLO! was on the ground at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday night as the King attended The King’s Trust’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, greeting a star-studded lineup of guests including Rita Ora, Anne-Marie and Craig David.
But it was his exchange with Rod Stewart that quickly became the moment everyone was talking about.
© Getty ImagesAs the 81-year-old music icon warmly shook the King’s hand, he offered his congratulations on the recent trip, before adding a remark that drew laughter from those nearby.
"May I say, well done in the Americas," Rod said. "You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little rat bag in his place."
The King, maintaining his trademark composure, did not visibly respond to the comment, though the light-hearted moment appeared to amuse those standing close by.
© Getty ImagesWhile Sir Rod did not name anyone directly, many observers interpreted the remark as a pointed reference to US President Donald Trump, a figure the singer has previously spoken about with increasing criticism.
The pair were once neighbours in Florida and enjoyed a friendly relationship, but Rod has since distanced himself, revealing in a past interview that he no longer considered Trump a friend.
Reflecting on the change, the "Forever Young" singer said the former president had become "somebody I didn’t know," adding that he took issue with both his political decisions and personal conduct.
© Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via GThe exchange comes as King Charles continues to receive widespread praise for his four-day visit to the United States, which many have hailed as a diplomatic success.
A highlight of the trip was his historic address to a joint session of Congress, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, where he struck a careful balance between wit and gravitas.
Injecting humour into the occasion, the King quipped: "King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action!"
© Getty ImagesBut he also acknowledged the more serious backdrop to the visit, describing the current global climate as "more volatile and more dangerous" than in previous decades, while stressing the importance of unity between nations.
"The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone," he told lawmakers, reinforcing the enduring strength of the UK–US alliance.
Even Donald Trump himself praised the speech, telling reporters afterwards: "He made a great speech. I was very jealous."
