Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes Believed to Be Home Amid Welfare Concerns
The renowned adventurer, who suffers from Parkinson's, is reportedly at an isolated Shropshire farm behind a high security gate, following a series of moves between care facilities.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the celebrated explorer, is believed to be back at his isolated farm in Shropshire, England. The property is reportedly secured by a six-foot industrial security gate, with two modular homes recently assembled near the main residence, one for Sir Ranulph and another for his carer. This development comes amid ongoing speculation about the whereabouts of the 82-year-old adventurer, who has not been seen in public for two years and suffers from Parkinson's disease.
Sources indicate that Sir Ranulph has been moved between multiple care facilities and even a hotel over the past year. His second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, Lady Fiennes, has reportedly taken steps to conceal his identity, using an alias and instructing staff at some establishments to ensure he did not socialize with other residents and to wear a disguise when leaving his room. The owner of a Welsh care home described the instructions from Lady Fiennes as "draconian," stating, "I wouldn't do that to an animal."
Concerns about Sir Ranulph's welfare have been voiced by celebrity friends, including fellow adventurers Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, who have called for police intervention. Cheshire police stated that they had identified no immediate safeguarding concerns at the care home where Sir Ranulph was most recently residing in Crewe, and that any new information would be assessed.
Sir Ranulph's friend of over 30 years, Michael Kobold, has been a vocal critic, sharing footage and images that he claims show a "broken and frail" Sir Ranulph after two years of "strict isolation." Kobold stated that the system had failed, allowing such mistreatment of a "national treasure."
The footage, reportedly filmed in his Cheshire home, shows a frail Sir Ranulph walking with assistance while his wife directs him. In the video, Lady Fiennes can be heard giving instructions on his posture and movement, and singing a line from "Heigh-Ho" from Disney's Snow White. Kobold also shared an image of Sir Ranulph sitting in an armchair, covered by a blanket.
In a separate development, Sir Ranulph's stepson, Alex Millington-Cotes, who is estranged from his mother, has called for Lady Fiennes to be stripped of her lasting power of attorney over Sir Ranulph's property, financial affairs, and health and welfare. The Office of the Public Guardian has reportedly rejected nine complaints seeking intervention, deeming the case beyond its remit.
Footage has also emerged of Sir Ranulph for the first time since concerns were raised, showing a frail figure walking with his wife's guidance. It is believed this video was shot in his Cheshire home.
King Charles, a personal friend of Sir Ranulph, has reportedly taken an interest in the case, though an equerry's attempt to contact Lady Fiennes was reportedly met with a request to "back off."
Despite the concerns raised, Cheshire police previously stated they were satisfied that Sir Ranulph was living in an appropriate setting. The return to his Shropshire farm, however, offers little comfort to those who know him, as it may mean fewer external observers of his care.