King Charles III unexpectedly received some bold praise from British music legend Rod Stewart over US President Donald Trump.
During an intermission at a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust at Royal Albert Hall on Monday (11 May), the 81-year-old “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” singer appeared to praise the King for what he saw as handling Trump perfectly during the monarch’s recent trip to the United States.
During the four-day state visit, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla were hosted by Trump and Melania Trump, the King addressed Congress and spoke on issues including NATO, support for Ukraine, and the growing collapse of major environmental systems.
Stewart reportedly told Charles: “May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place.”
The King appeared amused by the remark and seemed to laugh it off while Stewart continued: “Exactly, that’s it, it went right over his head, right over his head.”
Although Charles briefly responded afterward, it remains unclear exactly what he said.
At one point during the state dinner, the King also joked with his American hosts, saying: “If it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French!”
Stewart later turned to Camilla and added: “I was just congratulating your husband on his wonderful performance in the Americas, so great, so brave, so proud.”
The evening at the London venue was hosted by TV personalities Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.
Several major stars attended the event, including Alesha Dixon, Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins, Rita Ora, Anne-Marie, Craig David, Skye Newman, and Jools Holland.
Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Idris Elba were also there, along with George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney.
The event honored young people across the UK who have been supported by the King’s Trust since Charles founded the charity back in 1976.
According to the organization, it has helped more than 1.3 million young people throughout the UK over the past five decades through programs focused on tackling youth unemployment and helping young people build stronger futures.
During his speech on stage, Charles thanked the staff, mentors, and volunteers who support the charity’s work and said he hopes the organization continues “for as long as possible.”
