Adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes's Friends Urge Police Action Amid Disappearance Concerns

Some of Britain’s most recognized explorers are urging police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the apparent disappearance of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 82-year-old adventurer. Fiennes has not been seen publicly for over two years and has reportedly been moved between a series of care homes under a false name, according to his stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes.

Millington-Cotes has stated that his efforts to persuade two police forces to investigate have been unsuccessful. He expressed frustration in trying to establish what actions the police are taking, telling the Sunday Telegraph, "I’ve tried to get in touch but no luck so far."

Supporters, including television personalities Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, have backed calls for an investigation. Grylls stated, "We have been desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail." He described the reports of Fiennes's isolation and treatment in care homes as "so deeply disturbing" and called for an urgent investigation by the Office for the Public Guardian and the police, adding, "Ran we are coming!"

Ben Fogle, who shares Fiennes's accomplishments of reaching the South Pole and summiting Everest, commented on social media that it is "very troubling" that such a renowned figure is being kept isolated from family and friends. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo around the world, called the situation a "deprivation of a basic human right."

Monty Don, host of Gardeners' World, suggested Fiennes should be "enjoying the admiration and respect of the whole country" rather than being hidden away. Veteran journalist John Simpson voiced concern, stating, "He’s the world’s bravest man, and he’s vulnerable. We must know what’s happening to him."

Shadow health and care secretary Damian Hinds has called for an examination of any potential failings at the Office of the Public Guardian. Millington-Cotes, who is estranged from his mother, Fiennes's second wife Louise Millington-Cotes, is seeking to raise £55,000 for legal action. He has stated his goal is "to ensure his complete free will, the ability to walk outside, see whoever he wants."

Cheshire Police have declined to comment on the matter, while West Mercia Police have yet to issue a public statement. Louise Millington-Cotes has not responded to requests for comment.

Millington-Cotes's fundraising campaign for legal action has already garnered over £15,000 in donations. The Care Inspectorate has reportedly concluded that Fiennes had been unlawfully deprived of his liberty.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, often described as the world's greatest living explorer, has an extensive list of achievements, including completing seven marathons in seven days across seven continents and climbing Mount Everest at age 65, four years after suffering a heart attack. His second marriage to Louise Millington-Cotes, who is 23 years his junior, occurred in 2005, a little over a year after the death of his first wife. According to Millington-Cotes, his stepmother became increasingly dominating after their marriage. Friends and a business associate have corroborated this, with one reporting that Sir Ranulph spoke of "only ever being allowed 24 hours at a time away from her."