King Charles to open Canada parliament tasked with countering Trump [Video]

King Charles III was set to land in Ottawa Monday for a historic visit to open Canada’s parliament, a brief trip seen as part of the pushback against US President Donald Trump’s annexation threats.

The 76-year-old monarch, who is also Canada’s head of state as part of the Commonwealth, was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver the throne speech, an address that outlines the government’s priorities.

The speech is typically given by the British monarch’s representative in Canada, the governor general.

Queen Elizabeth II, the king’s late mother, delivered a throne speech in Canada just twice during her long reign, in 1957 and 1977.

Charles, making his first visit to Canada since his coronation, has never commented on Trump’s repeated talk of making Canada the 51st US state.

But he will be closely watched for any comments on Canada’s sovereignty, as well as on trade.

Trump has slapped …