King Charles is reflecting on the 1988 avalanche in Switzerland that nearly took his life and killed one of his closest friends. During a gathering for the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team at the Castle of Mey in Scotland, the 77-year-old monarch spoke about the disaster while marking the group’s 50th anniversary. According to People Magazine, Charles referred to the incident as “a close thing,” a brief but stark description of a day that left a lasting mark on the royal family and on his own relationship with mountain rescue work.
Ben Dyson Shares Charles’ Words at Castle of Mey
The king’s comments were relayed by Assynt Mountain Rescue Team leader Ben Dyson after the Aug. 1 reception. “It was a close thing,” Charles said according to People Magazine. Dyson explained that the monarch brought up the avalanche while discussing the risks that come with mountain terrain and rescue operations. He also said Charles was deeply appreciative of the work rescue teams do. The conversation linked a personal tragedy from his past to the dangers faced by emergency crews who operate in remote and unpredictable conditions.
Major Hugh Lindsay Died in the Swiss Ski Disaster
The avalanche struck on March 10, 1988, while Charles and his party were skiing off-piste above Klosters. Major Hugh Lindsay, a former equerry to Queen Elizabeth, was killed after being swept far down the mountainside. Family friend Patti Palmer-Tomkinson suffered serious leg injuries. Charles and other members of the group made it to safety, then returned with their guide and a Swiss police officer to dig victims out of the snow. Lindsay and Palmer-Tomkinson were flown to a hospital in Davos, where Lindsay was later declared dead.
Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson Were Away at the Chalet
Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson were also part of the Swiss holiday, but they were at their chalet in Davos when the avalanche hit. An eyewitness later described seeing then-Prince Charles after the rescue effort. “As far as I know he hadn’t been injured. He looked very distressed; somebody said he was crying, but he did walk to the helicopter so he looked uninjured,” Marie Griffiths told the BBC. The tragedy was made even harder by the fact that Lindsay’s wife, Sarah, was six months pregnant at the time of his death.
Charles Later Stepped Back From Skiing
The Klosters trip remained part of royal family life for years, with Prince William and Prince Harry later skiing there during their childhood. But Charles has since indicated that chapter is over for him. In February 2025, he said, “I think my skiing days are behind me,” during a visit to Teesside. His latest remarks in Scotland show that the 1988 disaster is still firmly in his mind. The occasion also offered a rare glimpse into how a private loss shaped his respect for rescue workers and the risks they face in the mountains.
