Joseph Fiennes Visited Explorer Cousin Sir Ranulph Fiennes in Care Home

Actor Joseph Fiennes secretly visited his cousin, the renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, at a care home last year. The visit occurred on the same day as a covert trip by Arabella Pepper, the younger sister of Sir Ranulph's first wife, Ginny.

Pepper told BBC Newsnight that she has not seen the 82-year-old explorer for over a year. She described seeing Sir Ranulph at the care home under the assumed name 'Ron Westwood' as a moment of obvious relief for him. She conveyed that his friends and family were worried and searching for him, and Sir Ranulph responded by asking her to send his love and express his longing to see them.

The Times reported that Sir Ranulph's face "lit up like a spotlight" when he saw his cousin, the "Shakespeare in Love" actor. The two, along with their artist cousin Susannah Fiennes, shared time in a private room.

These visits took place at the luxury KYN Hurlingham care home in west London. It was revealed last week that Sir Ranulph has been staying in various care facilities under a false name, reportedly on the instructions of his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes. Pepper claimed that Sir Ranulph's wife has demanded that friends and family sign non-disclosure agreements when attempting to arrange visits.

Sir Ranulph's whereabouts became a public mystery after he failed to attend a gala in his honor in October 2024. In January of this year, Joseph Fiennes wrote to the Office of the Public Guardian, expressing concerns that Sir Ranulph was being isolated from friends and family. He noted the broader implications if such isolation was happening to others, raising questions for care homes and legal services.

Sir Ranulph's stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, launched a crowdfunding appeal to pursue legal action against his mother to contest the power of attorney. He stated that Sir Ranulph is not an isolated person, making his current situation particularly painful to witness.

Concerns have also been raised by the manager of a care home in Wales where Sir Ranulph had been staying. The manager contacted police and the Office of the Public Guardian in March, citing unlawful deprivation of liberty due to a lack of authorization for his residence. Before action could be taken, Sir Ranulph was moved. The care home owner also reportedly raised concerns about unorthodox medication arrangements and the validity of a 'Do Not Resuscitate' document provided by Lady Fiennes.

Footage has emerged showing a frail Sir Ranulph walking with assistance in what appears to be a stable or barn, with his wife directing him. In the video, Lady Fiennes can be heard giving instructions and singing lyrics from Disney's "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs." The clip was posted by Sir Ranulph's friend, Michael Kobold, who has been a friend for over 30 years. Kobold has been vocal in his criticism of Sir Ranulph's treatment, calling it a "national disgrace."

King Charles has reportedly taken an interest in the case, as Sir Ranulph is a close personal friend. However, an attempt by the King's equerry to contact Lady Louise was reportedly met with a request to "back off."