Adventurer Friends, Including Bear Grylls, Urge Police to Investigate Sir Ranulph Fiennes's Whereabouts

A group of prominent explorers, including Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, are calling on police to investigate the unexplained absence of Sir Ranulph Fiennes. The 82-year-old adventurer, diagnosed with Parkinson's, has reportedly not been seen publicly for over two years and is alleged to have been moved between care homes under a false name by his second wife.

Sir Ranulph's stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, has reportedly encountered difficulties in persuading police forces to launch an investigation into his stepfather's welfare. Despite efforts to contact Cheshire Police and West Mercia Police, Mr. Millington-Cotes has stated he has had "no luck." Meanwhile, a crowdfunded legal campaign initiated by Mr. Millington-Cotes to help locate Sir Ranulph has garnered over £15,000 in donations.

Friends and associates describe Sir Ranulph's second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, as increasingly dominating since their marriage in 2005. Some have reported that Sir Ranulph claimed to be allowed only 24 hours at a time away from her. After his wife was reportedly granted lasting power of attorney in 2024, visits from friends and family to Sir Ranulph at a London care home were initially permitted only after signing non-disclosure agreements. Since then, he has allegedly been kept in a series of care homes, with reports suggesting he was placed under a false name.

Bear Grylls expressed deep concern over the reports, stating, "We have been desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail." He added, "These reports of his isolation from his loved ones and treatment in care homes are so deeply disturbing. It’s past time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate urgently. We owe it to him. Ran we are coming!"

Ben Fogle echoed these sentiments, calling the situation "very troubling" that such a figure, whom he described as a "hero" and "national treasure," would be "isolated and kept away from family and friends." Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world, commented that the accounts of Sir Ranulph being moved between homes and kept from friends represent a "deprivation of a basic human right."

Other notable figures, including Monty Don and John Simpson, have also voiced their concerns. Shadow health and care secretary Damian Hinds has called for an examination of any potential failings at the Office of the Public Guardian.

Mr. Millington-Cotes, 31, is seeking to raise £55,000 for potential legal action. He stated his aim is to "ensure his complete free will, the ability to walk outside, see whoever he wants." Cheshire Police have declined to comment, and West Mercia Police have yet to respond publicly. Louise Millington-Cotes has not yet commented on the allegations.