King Charles survived terrifying avalanche that sadly killed his close friend
King Charles has had some near misses in his lifetime, from a bus accident to a terrifying avalanche that tragically took the life of his...King Charles has had some near misses in his lifetime, from a bus accident to a terrifying avalanche that tragically took the life of his dear friend. While at a ski resort he’s visited many times over the years, a horrific natural event was the cause of the monarch’s close brush with death.
The then Prince Charles visited the ski resort, Klosters, based in the Swiss Apls, many times over the years. He first visited in 1978, when he was dating Lady Sarah Spencer at the time before courting her younger sister who would go on to become Princess Diana. Set in the picturesque alps, it’s a two-hour train ride through the mountains before skiers reach the famous resort, near Davos. King Charles would venture to the mountain to enjoy the slopes regularly, but it was one fateful avalanche in 1988 that left a mark on his life.
King Charles lost his dear friend in devastating avalanche
On March 10 that year, Charles was skiing in Klosters with a group on an unmarked trail when an avalanche came tumbling towards the king and his pals.
The now monarch survived, but Patricia Palmer-Tomkinson, a member of their group was injured seriously.
His close friend, Major Hugh Lindsay, sadly died.
The event was mentioned by the Netflix series that followed the royals. Josh O’Connor and Emma Corrin depicted the events in season four of The Crown, episode nine.
Princess Diana’s former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, claimed the royal refused to return after the tragic events.
Biographers also claimed later it ‘drove a wedge’ between the couple.
But Charles did go back, a year later, and other royals did too, such as Prince Harry‘s aunt Sarah Ferguson and her then husband Andrew.
He’d end up taking his sons, Harry and Prince William when they were growing up. The trio would return multiple times through into the mid-2000s.
Although media has been interested in The Firm for decades, there was an ‘unwritten agreement’ the press would leave them alone outside of official photo calls, The Times reports.
During his time up there, Charles would also paint, a hobby of his, and one of his pieces featured on the 1997 season ski pass.
Kate and William return
In 2006, the couple who now share three children, were seen enjoying the slopes. Kate Middleton and William’s first public kiss was shared at the resort.
They were then back in 2008 again, so the buzz of the ride was also felt by the Princess of Wales.
They’ve also ventured to other resorts, such as Verbier and Courchevel, while King Charles continues to be a huge fan of Klosters despite the tragic avalanche.
In 2018, they honored the royal, by inscribing ‘HRH the Prince of Wales, celebrating 40 years skiing in Klosters’ on the side of two cable cars.
