'A CLOSE THING' King Charles, 77, Reflects on His Near-Death Experience The tragedy claimed the life of his close friend. The gathering marked the 50th anniversary of the mountain rescue group. King Charles meeting the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team at the Castle of Mey on August 1, 2026. Facebook/Assynt Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook/Assynt Mountain Rescue TeamDuring the conversation, Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, reportedly described his survival in the avalanche as “a close thing.” Prince Charles skiing in Klosters with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Diana, Princess of Wales on March 9, 1988.