Family and friends of legendary British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have reported being unable to visit or contact the 82-year-old for several months. Growing concerns followed allegations that the renowned adventurer was admitted to care homes under assumed names amid an ongoing family dispute involving his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes.
- Stepson Launches Legal Fundraiser to Locate Explorer
- Police and Authorities Respond to Concerns
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Sir Ranulph Fiennes?
- Why are family members concerned about Sir Ranulph Fiennes?
- What action has Alexander Millington-Cotes taken?
- What do the authorities say about his living arrangements?
- What health challenges does Sir Ranulph Fiennes face?
Sir Ranulph, widely considered the world’s greatest living explorer, has not appeared in public for nearly two years following a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The situation escalated when his stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, launched a legal crowdfunder with a target of £55,000 to instruct lawyers to locate and safeguard the explorer.
Stepson Launches Legal Fundraiser to Locate Explorer
Alexander Millington-Cotes, 31, stated that his mother, Louise-from whom he is estranged-holds lasting power of attorney regarding Sir Ranulph’s care. Millington-Cotes aims to see this power revoked to ensure his stepfather’s welfare is properly monitored.
According to reports, Louise Millington-Cotes installed Sir Ranulph in a succession of care homes where visitors faced restrictions. The former soldier allegedly spent time in a Welsh care home under a pseudonym, with a watchdog concluding that his living arrangements amounted to a deprivation of his liberty due to a lack of adequate legal safeguards.
Further complications arose at a London care home, where visitors were reportedly asked to sign non-disclosure agreements before being allowed to see him. Arabella McIntyre-Brown, the sister of Sir Ranulph’s late first wife Ginny, checked into the same London home for a week just to speak to him, noting that the explorer expressed a clear wish to see his friends.
Police and Authorities Respond to Concerns
Cheshire Police confirmed they are aware of the concerns regarding the explorer’s whereabouts. Authorities stated they are satisfied that Sir Ranulph resides in an appropriate setting with suitable care, adding that there are currently no immediate safeguarding concerns.
Despite official assurances, family members remain distressed. Sir Ranulph failed to appear at a gala evening organized in his honor at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington, west London, two years ago, delivering only a brief pre-recorded message from home stating he was not well enough to attend.
Millington-Cotes expressed deep frustration over his inability to maintain contact, noting that donations from his legal fundraiser will cover specialist legal representation, court fees, and the cost of determining his exact location to share with relevant authorities. Any excess funds are planned for donation to Marie Curie and the British Heart Foundation, which are favored charities of Sir Ranulph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sir Ranulph Fiennes?
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is a renowned British explorer, former soldier, and writer, widely recognized for numerous endurance records, including being the first person to cross Antarctica on foot.
Why are family members concerned about Sir Ranulph Fiennes?
Family and friends have been unable to visit or contact the 82-year-old explorer for months. Concerns are compounded by his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, a lack of public appearances in two years, and allegations that he was placed in care homes under assumed names.
What action has Alexander Millington-Cotes taken?
Sir Ranulph’s stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £55,000 for specialist legal advice to locate the explorer, challenge the current power of attorney arrangements, and ensure his safety.
What do the authorities say about his living arrangements?
Cheshire Police stated they are aware of the situation and confirmed they are satisfied that Sir Ranulph is residing in an appropriate setting with proper care, reporting no immediate safeguarding concerns.
What health challenges does Sir Ranulph Fiennes face?
Sir Ranulph was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which has significantly limited his public appearances and physical activities in recent years.
