Technology and Science29 September, 20262 min read
Relatives Say They Haven't Seen Sir Ranulph Fiennes for Months
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Relatives say they haven't seen him for months. Allegations he’s been admitted to several care homes under assumed names.
Relatives cannot visit
Relatives of British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes said they have not been able to visit or see him for months, with his former sister-in-law telling BBC Newsnight that she did not know where he was and nobody had been able to see him. Cheshire Police said they were aware of the concerns and were satisfied he was living in an appropriate setting with suitable care, adding there were "no immediate safeguarding concerns". The BBC said the 82-year-old had not been seen in public for nearly two years, and the allegations included that he had been admitted to a number of care homes under assumed names after a family rift involving his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes.
Alex Millington-Cotes told BBC Newsnight that he wanted the power of attorney removed from Louise Millington-Cotes, saying it should be placed in the hands of people who have "fully his best interests in mind". Arabella Pepper told BBC Newsnight that she had not been able to see him for over a year, and Pepper said, "All his friends and family want to see him and take him Toblerones and cheer him up, but we don't know where is, and he's not available, he's not accessible - that's what worries us,".
Power of attorney dispute
Alex Millington-Cotes told BBC Newsnight that he wanted the power of attorney removed from Louise Millington-Cotes, saying it should be placed in the hands of people who "have fully his best interests in mind". Cheshire Police said, "Police and partner agencies are aware of the concerns raised and are satisfied that Sir Ranulph Fiennes is living in an appropriate setting with suitable care and professional oversight." LBC said the explorer had been placed in several care homes under a false name by his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, and it said his current whereabouts were unknown to several friends and family members.
LBC reported that a care watchdog concluded that Sir Ranulph's treatment amounted to a deprivation of his liberty, and it said Mrs Millington-Cotes was granted a lasting power of attorney in 2024. Claire Jesson added, "Any new information received will be assessed and considered through the appropriate multi-agency arrangements."
King Charles and Joseph Fiennes
Joseph Fiennes secretly visited Sir Ranulph Fiennes in a London care home last year while he was living there under an assumed name. The visit took place at KYN Hurlingham in west London, where Joseph Fiennes reportedly spent time with the explorer before raising concerns with authorities about his welfare six months later. King Charles was "most concerned" about the 82-year-old, and the monarch was reportedly blocked as he tried to check on Fiennes’ wellbeing.
Bear Grylls said, "Ran we are coming!" and Grylls called Fiennes a "true British icon" and described reports of isolation and treatment in care homes as "deeply disturbing". Sir Ranulph launched a crowdfunding campaign for legal fees to "locate and safeguard" the explorer, and he wrote the fundraiser was created as "a result of our concern and desperation" after trying "multiple avenues" to locate his stepfather.