Family Expresses Concern Over Disappearance of Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Family and friends of renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have stated they have been unable to visit or contact him for several months, raising concerns about his whereabouts and well-being.

One former sister-in-law informed the BBC that she did not know Sir Ranulph's location and that no one had been able to see him. Allegations suggest that the 82-year-old explorer has been admitted to multiple care homes under assumed names, following a family dispute involving his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes. Millington-Cotes has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.

Cheshire Police confirmed they are aware of the concerns surrounding Sir Ranulph and stated they are satisfied that he is residing in a suitable environment with appropriate care. The police reported no immediate safeguarding concerns.

Sir Ranulph, who has not been seen publicly for nearly two years, disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease a few months prior to his public absence. He holds a distinguished place in exploration history, having been the first person to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel in the early 1980s. The Guinness Book of Records has recognized him as "the world's greatest living explorer."

Sir Ranulph's stepson, Alex Millington-Cotes, has publicly stated his desire to see the power of attorney removed from his mother and transferred to individuals who prioritize his stepfather's best interests. He described the current isolation as "very painful" for a person who is not typically reclusive.

Last week, Millington-Cotes launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal expenses aimed at "locating and safeguarding" the explorer. He cited the campaign's creation as a response to "concern and desperation" after exhausting multiple avenues to find his stepfather.

Arabella Pepper, the younger sister of Sir Ranulph's late first wife, Ginny, shared that she had not been able to visit her former brother-in-law for over a year. She expressed the collective wish of his friends and family to see him and offer comfort, but their inability to locate him is a significant worry.

Pepper recounted an instance in July 2025 where she was reportedly able to visit him only after admitting herself to a care home where she had been told he was staying. She stated that upon seeing him, she conveyed that everyone was worried and longing to see him. According to Pepper, Sir Ranulph's relief was evident, and he asked her to send his love and express his own longing to see them.