King Charles III hailed Canada as "strong and free" as he delivered a major speech to open parliament in Ottawa against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's 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," King Charles said, adding that Canada was facing a "critical moment."

To loud applause, he drew on the national anthem as he said "the true north is indeed strong and free!"

Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the 76-year-old British monarch -- Canada's head of state as it is a Commonwealth member -- to the capital, accompanied by Queen Camilla.

The king has never publi

Although the speech was read by the king as if it were his

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