Relatives and friends say 82-year-old Sir Ranulph Fiennes has not been seen publicly for nearly two years and may have been isolated by his wife amid moves between care homes. A Daily Telegraph investigation reports Care Inspectorate Wales found he was 'unlawfully deprived of his liberty' at a Welsh facility. His stepson has launched a crowdfunding appeal to fund legal action to 'locate and safeguard' him while supporters call for transparency; Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Family And Friends Raise Alarm Over His Whereabouts
Ranulph Fiennes was the first person to cross the Earth pole to pole in the early 1980s (LEON NEAL)
Concern is growing for 82-year-old Sir Ranulph Fiennes after relatives, friends and former collaborators publicly said the celebrated British explorer has effectively disappeared from view and may have been isolated by his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes. The allegations follow a Daily Telegraph investigation reporting that Fiennes was moved between a succession of care homes and that a Welsh regulator found he had been 'unlawfully deprived of his liberty' at a facility earlier this year.
Recent Developments
Last week the Daily Telegraph published details suggesting Fiennes was transferred between care homes in London, Wales and northwest England under conditions set by Millington-Cotes, who the paper says was granted lasting power of attorney in 2024. The Telegraph also reported that some friends were denied visits and that visitors were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements.
"You may have recently heard the deeply concerning news: Sir Ranulph Fiennes is missing," wrote his stepson, Alex Millington-Cotes, when launching an online crowdfunding appeal to fund legal action to "locate and safeguard" the explorer. Michael Kobold, a long-time collaborator, has supported the campaign and urged greater transparency.
Care-Regulator Finding And Reactions
The Care Inspectorate Wales told the newspaper it concluded in January that Fiennes had been "being deprived of his liberty unlawfully" at a Welsh facility because legally required paperwork had not been provided. The Inspectorate has told news agencies it "would not be appropriate" to comment further. Buckingham Palace declined to comment when approached; friends say palace staff previously told them the King was "concerned".
Background
Fiennes is widely known as one of the UK's most famous living explorers. He led the 1979–1982 Transglobe Expedition, often credited as the first surface traverse from pole to pole, crossed Antarctica on foot and ran seven marathons on seven continents in a week. He has publicly discussed a Parkinson's diagnosis and was last seen publicly in a pre-recorded video shown at a Royal Geographical Society event in October 2024.
What Comes Next
Supporters and family members have called for legal scrutiny and transparency about his welfare. Millington-Cotes could not be reached for comment. The crowdfunding appeal seeks funds for legal advice and action to establish his location and wellbeing and to clarify who is responsible for his care decisions.
Note: The allegations reported here are based primarily on a Daily Telegraph investigation and statements from relatives and supporters. Some claims remain unverified and official bodies have limited their public comments.
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