Sir Ranulph Fiennes' Step-Son Seeks Court Intervention Amid Concerns Over Explorer's 'Free Will'

Alex Millington-Cotes, the step-son of famed explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, is seeking legal action to ensure his stepfather's "complete free will," alleging that Sir Ranulph's second wife has exerted a "controlling influence" over him for over two decades. The 82-year-old explorer, known for his polar expeditions and other feats of endurance, has not been seen publicly for more than two years and suffers from Parkinson's disease.

Millington-Cotes has launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund legal proceedings, spurred by reports that Sir Ranulph was moved between care homes and, at one point, was allegedly given a false name. These developments follow a conclusion by the Care Inspectorate that the explorer had been unlawfully deprived of his liberty. Calls are growing for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Fiennes' well-being and his alleged confinement.

Friends and business associates have corroborated Millington-Cotes' concerns, with one associate reporting that Sir Ranulph spoke of being "only ever being allowed 24 hours at a time away from her." This sentiment was echoed by an old friend from Exmoor, who stated that Sir Ranulph's wife "took over and controlled every aspect of his life," alienating his long-serving staff and friends.

Sir Ranulph, often described as the world's greatest living explorer, married his second wife, Louise, in 2005, less than a year after the death of his first wife, Ginny. Millington-Cotes, who was ten at the time of the marriage, believes his mother "dominated" the relationship from its inception. He recalls a significant rift developing in 2018 when his mother allegedly became "unpleasant" towards him and began blocking his attempts at contact.

"Estranged is the right word," Millington-Cotes stated. "She kicked me out. It has been tougher than words can say."

He last saw his stepfather in June 2018, pictured here at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and their last phone conversation was 18 months ago. Millington-Cotes' suspicion is that his stepfather is currently at home with his mother. He visited a care home in Cheshire last Monday, where staff appeared evasive when he identified himself.

Sir Ranulph's pioneering career includes being the first person to reach both the North and South Poles on foot and the first to cross Antarctica on foot. Despite undergoing a double heart bypass in 2003 and suffering a heart attack two years later, he climbed Mount Everest in 2009 at the age of 65.

Concerns about Sir Ranulph's autonomy have been amplified by his placement in care facilities under the name "Robert Millington." One care home owner recounted that Sir Ranulph was not permitted to watch documentaries about his own expeditions, with his wife reportedly stating it would upset him. The owner also recalled an instance where Sir Ranulph seemed to wink and smile after his wife snapped at him, as if to say, "Don't worry. She's going in a minute. I know what she's like."

Millington-Cotes aims to raise £55,000 to cover potential legal costs. His objective is to secure a court order that would limit his mother's power of attorney, ensuring his stepfather can make his own decisions, "walk outside, and see whoever he wants."

Several prominent explorers, including Bear Grylls, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Ben Fogle, and Robin Hanbury-Tenison, have publicly supported the call for Fiennes' whereabouts to be established and his liberty restored. Shadow Health and Care Secretary Damian Hinds has also called for an investigation into any potential failings by the Office of the Public Guardian.