An official said the sparklers were attached to bottles of champagne held too close to the ceiling. Forty people died and more than 100 were injured. Many of the victims were teenagers.

Members of the royal family are known for their prowess on the slopes, but the mountains also hold some tragic memories.

Zermatt, the famous ski resort at the foot of the Matterhorn, has invested hundreds of millions of Swiss francs to ensure skiing for its customers nearly year-round, despite global warming. It is a relentless strategy – criticized,