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Rod Stewart Congratulates King Charles on US State Visit

Singer Rod Stewart told King Charles he put "that little ratbag" in his place during a conversation at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust. The remark referred to President Trump following the monarch’s recent four-day state visit to the United States. The King laughed off the comment while attending the celebration at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

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1 source·May 16, 11:00 AM(13 days ago)·2m read
Rod Stewart Congratulates King Charles on US State Visitbbc.co.uk
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Addressing the King directly in a line-up, Stewart said: "May I say, well done in the Americas. " The King appeared to laugh off the remark, with Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood seen grinning beside him. The four-day state visit saw Charles and Camilla hosted by President Trump and his wife Melania.

During an address to Congress, the King discussed Nato, support for Ukraine, and the collapse of critical natural systems. " It remained unclear what the King replied.

The event marked 50 years since Charles founded the King’s Trust in 1976. The charity says it has helped more than 1.3 million young people across the UK with a focus on ending youth unemployment. The King remarked it had been a "long time" since he last saw them and that they did not look a day older.

" Camilla wore a purple lace cocktail dress by Fiona Clare with a crepe magenta cape by Dior and amethyst and diamond earrings once belonging to the Duchess of Kent. Young people supported by the trust received awards presented by celebrities. In an emotional speech one award winner named Sahara thanked the organisation for helping her after she had tried to take her own life.

The King and Queen spoke with performers including Rita Ora, Anne-Marie, Craig David, Skye Newman and Jools Holland as well as actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Idris Elba and Hollywood star George Clooney. At the end of the evening Charles and Camilla switched places with the hosts, coming out on stage while the comedy duo took their place in the royal box.

Key Facts

Rod Stewart comment
Called Trump "little ratbag" to King Charles
King’s Trust
Helped 1.3 million young people since 1976
State visit
Four days hosted by President Trump
Royal Albert Hall
Event held on Monday evening
King's speech topics
Nato, Ukraine, natural systems collapse

Story Timeline

3 events
  1. 2026-05-12

    King Charles completes four-day state visit to the United States hosted by President Trump.

    1 source@Independent
  2. 2026-05-15

    Rod Stewart makes remark to King Charles at King’s Trust 50th anniversary event.

    1 source@Independent
  3. 2026-05-15

    King Charles jokes about switching places with Ant and Dec on stage.

    1 source@Independent

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    The King’s Trust anniversary event highlighted its work supporting UK youth over 50 years.

  2. 02

    The exchange may draw additional media attention to the recent US-UK state visit.

  3. 03

    Public figures commenting on diplomatic visits can influence public perception of international relations.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count364 words
PublishedMay 16, 2026, 11:00 AM
Bias signals removed2 across 2 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 1Speculative 1

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