King Charles III Allegedly Blocked by Explorer's Wife from Contacting Sir Ranulph Fiennes

King Charles III reportedly attempted to contact explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes to inquire about his well-being but was rebuffed by the adventurer's wife, Louise Millington–Cotes. The King's equerry was allegedly told by Millington–Cotes to "back off" after she became angered that her phone number had been shared without her permission.

The monarch was said to be "most concerned" after learning of Sir Ranulph's declining health and isolation. An intermediary, who had received a letter from someone inquiring how to reach Sir Ranulph, provided Millington–Cotes's contact details to the palace. However, Millington–Cotes reportedly threatened the intermediary with legal action and the police, claiming they had caused her husband "immense distress."

Sir Ranulph, 82, who has Parkinson's disease, has not been publicly seen for over two years. He is said to have been moved between a series of care homes, reportedly under a false name. Friends, including Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, have expressed concern and called for action to locate him. Donations for a crowdfunded legal campaign launched by Sir Ranulph's stepson have exceeded £15,000.

Achievements attributed to Sir Ranulph include running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and climbing Mount Everest at age 65, four years after suffering a heart attack. His stepson has stated that his mother became increasingly "dominating" after marrying Millington–Cotes in 2005. Friends have reported that Sir Ranulph claimed to be allowed away from his wife for only 24 hours at a time before she was reportedly granted lasting power of attorney over him in 2024.

Concerns have been raised by public figures such as Sir Robin Knox–Johnston, who described the situation as a "deprivation of a basic human right." Veteran journalist John Simpson called Sir Ranulph "the world's bravest man, and he's vulnerable." Shadow health and care secretary Damian Hinds has called for an investigation into potential failings at the Office of the Public Guardian.

Millington–Cotes has not publicly commented on the allegations. Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.