Friends Concerned Over Disappearance of Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Friends and family of famed British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have publicly voiced their concern and confusion regarding his whereabouts, stating they have not seen or heard from him in over a year. The esteemed adventurer, known for his daring expeditions and numerous records, was last seen publicly via a pre-recorded video message in October 2024 at a Royal Geographical Society gala.

In the video, Sir Ranulph, then in his 80s, stated, "I’m sorry I’m not well enough to be with you there this evening. Thank you for being my number one team. I do hope we will be together for many more adventures to come." Since then, communications have ceased, with letters returned unopened and Christmas cards unreceived, leading to mounting worry among his close circle.

Michael Kobold, a filmmaker and author who has collaborated with Fiennes on several expeditions, launched a blog titled 'Where in the world is Ranulph Fiennes?' to draw attention to the situation. Kobold expressed shock that a "national hero" could be in such a predicament and stated that a small group of individuals are actively trying to locate him. He revealed that the situation involves his close friend King Charles, actor Joseph Fiennes, and an alleged "undercover operation" at a London care home.

The concerns began to surface more than two decades ago following the death of Sir Ranulph's first wife, Virginia, in 2004. He later married Louise Millington-Cotes, who was 23 years his junior. Reports emerged during their marriage of strained relationships with staff and friends, with some feeling estranged. Christopher Bowler, Louise Fiennes' former partner and father of her son Alexander, recounted similar experiences of isolation and difficulty in maintaining contact.

Sir Ranulph, who has spoken openly about his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease and was forced to stop driving after a car accident in September 2024, was believed by Kobold to be in a care home in Fulham under an alias. In an effort to confirm his location and well-being, Kobold arranged for Arabella McIntyre-Brown, the younger sister of Sir Ranulph's late first wife, to pose as a resident at the care home. McIntyre-Brown reportedly met with Sir Ranulph, finding him frail but in good condition for his age. However, he was subsequently moved from communal areas, and McIntyre-Brown was unable to see him again during her stay.

Following this, a few of Sir Ranulph's friends were allowed to visit, but only after signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prohibited them from revealing his location, health status, or care details. These visits reportedly ceased by the autumn of 2025, and friends believe he has been moved again, though his current location remains unknown.

Kobold's attempts to seek intervention from the Office of the Public Guardian and safeguarding teams in London were met with the information that Sir Ranulph had granted his wife power of attorney and confirmed he was content with the arrangement. A letter written to King Charles, a longtime patron and friend of the explorer, also yielded no resolution, though the King reportedly tasked his personal equerry to investigate.

Sir Ranulph, at 82 and in fragile health, remains a private individual, but his disappearance has prompted his devoted friends and family, including his stepson Alexander and first wife's sister Arabella, to continue their efforts to locate him and ensure his well-being.