King Charles highlights Canadian self-determination as Trump looms [Video]

King Charles III stressed Canada’s proud independence on Tuesday as he delivered a major speech to open parliament in Ottawa set against US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take over the country.

“Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect,” Charles said, adding Canada was facing a “critical moment.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the 76-year-old British monarch — who is the Canadian head of state — to the capital, accompanied by Queen Camilla.

King Charles’s “speech from the throne” was the first by a monarch in nearly half a century.

The king has never publicly commented on Trump’s repeated talk of making Canada the 51st US state, but his language was closely watched for any reference.

Although the speech was read by the king as if his own words, it was in …