At the King’s Trust 50th anniversary celebration at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 11, Rod Stewart praised King Charles III for his recent visit to the United States during a red carpet greeting that quickly drew attention online.
“May I say, well done in the Americas,” Stewart told the monarch, according to video shared on social media. “You were superb. Absolutely superb. You put that little rat bag in his place.”
The off-the-cuff remark, interpreted by some observers as a reference to US President Donald Trump, created an awkward moment for the King, who traditionally maintains political neutrality. King Charles did not visibly respond to the comment as those nearby laughed.
Indeed, the ascension of King Charles III in 2022 marked the dawn of a new chapter for the British monarchy. Following Queen Elizabeth II's historic 70-year reign, Charles faced the challenge of balancing tradition with modernization. From a slimmed-down royal family to a stronger focus on sustainability, the monarchy has undergone significant transformations. As the world evolves, so does the Crown, striving to remain relevant in the 21st century while honoring centuries-old customs.Click on to discover the changes that have unfolded since Charles ascended to the throne.