Police Satisfied Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is in Appropriate Setting Amid Welfare Concerns

Police have stated they are satisfied that renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is receiving suitable care and is living in an appropriate setting, following concerns raised by friends and relatives about his welfare. Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Jesson of Cheshire police confirmed that while the force is aware of these fears for the 82-year-old adventurer, no immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified.

Sir Ranulph, who has Parkinson's disease, has not been seen publicly for over two years. Reports suggest he has been living under a false name and moved between various care homes, according to his stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes. Millington-Cotes stated he had been unable to persuade either Cheshire police or West Mercia police to investigate his stepfather's whereabouts.

Adding to the concerns, King Charles III reportedly also faced obstacles in checking on Sir Ranulph's well-being. An equerry for the King is believed to have contacted an intermediary after receiving a letter inquiring about Sir Ranulph. However, this contact allegedly led to Sir Ranulph's wife and legal guardian, Louise Millington-Cotes, threatening legal and police action against the intermediary, according to The Telegraph.

Fellow adventurers, including Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, have voiced their support for locating Sir Ranulph and expressed deep concern over the reports of his isolation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jesson asserted that police and partner agencies have investigated the concerns and are satisfied with the current arrangements for Sir Ranulph's care and oversight. She emphasized that any new information will be assessed and considered through multi-agency channels and requested that privacy be respected to avoid unnecessary speculation.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is celebrated for numerous expeditions, including 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, Millington-Cotes, described his stepmother as increasingly 'dominating' since their marriage in 2005, a year after the death of Sir Ranulph's first wife. Friends and business associates have also shared accounts of Sir Ranulph being restricted in his movements.

Concerns have been amplified by reports that after his wife was granted lasting power of attorney in 2024, visits from friends and family initially required signing non-disclosure agreements. Subsequently, Sir Ranulph has reportedly been moved between care homes, allegedly under a false name, and a Care Inspectorate has concluded he was unlawfully deprived of his liberty.

Bear Grylls stated he and others have been trying to connect with Sir Ranulph for a year without success and called for an urgent investigation by the Office for the Public Guardian and the police. Ben Fogle echoed these sentiments, calling the situation 'very troubling' for a 'national treasure.' Sir Robin Knox-Johnston described the reported shuffling between homes and isolation from friends as a deprivation of basic human rights.

Alexander Millington-Cotes is currently fundraising for potential legal action, aiming to raise £55,000, with over £21,000 donated so far. He expressed a desire to ensure Sir Ranulph's complete free will and ability to see whomever he chooses. Louise Millington-Cotes has not yet responded to requests for comment.