Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes Reportedly Held Illegally in Care Homes

Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, 82, has reportedly been held in a series of care homes illegally by his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, who placed him in facilities under a false name and imposed strict conditions on his care. The situation came to light after the owner of one care home in Wales raised concerns about Fiennes's welfare to authorities and the police.

According to reports, the owner alerted the Office of the Public Guardian about unusual medical provisions, including concerns about the validity of a 'do not resuscitate' document provided by Millington-Cotes. A care watchdog investigation at the beginning of the year concluded that Fiennes was being unlawfully deprived of his liberty because his wife had not followed the necessary legal protocols.

Fiennes, who has Parkinson's disease, had not been publicly seen for two years. His disappearance from public life began when he failed to attend a Royal Geographical Society gala in his honor on October 23, 2024, appearing instead in a pre-recorded video. Friends and family have expressed concern over his care, with some reportedly considering legal action to challenge Millington-Cotes's guardianship.

Reports indicate Fiennes stayed at a care home in London last year, where his wife allegedly required visitors to sign non-disclosure agreements. He was later moved to facilities in Wales and Cheshire. His exact whereabouts, other than to his wife and daughter Elizabeth, were unknown.

At the Welsh care home, Millington-Cotes reportedly employed a private carer for Fiennes instead of registering him with a General Practitioner. Despite being informed by the care home owner that a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) order was required, she failed to secure one. The care facility subsequently alerted Millington-Cotes to the illegality of the circumstances, but she did not wish for a DoLS order to be applied for. The order had still not been acquired when Fiennes was removed from the facility.

Millington-Cotes, 59, married Fiennes following the death of his first wife in 2004. Friends have previously stated they were largely excluded from Fiennes's life after his marriage. The Daily Mail was unable to contact Millington-Cotes for comment.