Castle of Mey, UK - While receiving members of a volunteer mountain rescue team, King Charles spoke about a near‑death experience he had in an avalanche accident.

King Charles welcomed members of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team at Castle of Mey on the group's 50th anniversary.

During a conversation with the rescuers, the 77‑year‑old monarch recalled that fateful day in March 1988.

At the time, he was skiing off‑piste above the Swiss ski resort of Klosters with several others when an avalanche suddenly struck, People reported.

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"[The King] spoke of the near miss he had in that avalanche in the context of the dangers mountains contain," said rescue team leader Ben Dyson.

Although Charles was extremely lucky, his close friend Major Hugh Lindsay was caught by the snow. He plummeted down the mountainside and was killed.

Lindsay had previously served as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth. Another man was also seriously injured in the accident, sustaining serious leg injuries.

Charles and other members of the group managed to get to safety.

Later, they returned together with their guide and a Swiss police officer to search for people buried in the snow.

Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, were also on the ski holiday at the time. When the avalanche struck, both women were safely inside their chalet.

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Dyson explained: "He said 'it was a close thing.' Obviously after all these years it is still much in his memory, but it had given him an insight [in]to the valuable work we do and the dangers we face."

The team leader added that Charles was "very appreciative" of the mountain rescue's efforts.

The king has since put his own skiing days behind him, announcing last year that he had probably hung up his skis for good.