The short version
- Family members report being unable to contact or visit Sir Ranulph Fiennes for months, alleging he has been moved between care homes using false identities.
- Cheshire Police indicate there are no immediate safeguarding concerns and that the explorer is in a suitable setting with appropriate care.
- A stepson has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal costs aimed at removing power of attorney from Fiennes' second wife.
The family of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, widely recognized as one of the world's most accomplished explorers, has expressed deep concern regarding his current whereabouts and well-being. Relatives state that they have been unable to establish contact with or visit the eighty-two-year-old for several months. This silence has prompted allegations that the adventurer has been placed in various residential care facilities under assumed names, a situation reportedly stemming from a significant rift within his family involving his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes holds a distinguished place in exploration history, having been the first person to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel in the early 1980s. He has been described by The Guinness Book of Records as the greatest living explorer. However, he has not appeared in public for nearly two years. This period of absence began shortly after he publicly discussed a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a condition that likely necessitates increased medical and personal support.
Arabella Pepper, the younger sister of Fiennes' late first wife Ginny, told Newsnight that she has not seen her former brother-in-law for over a year. She described the situation as worrying because Fiennes is not an isolated person by nature. Pepper alleged that she managed to see him in July 2025 only after admitting herself to a care home where she had been informed he was staying. During this encounter, she reported seeing obvious relief on his face when she conveyed that friends and family were looking for him.
Pepper stated that Fiennes asked her to send messages of love to everyone and to tell them he longed to see them. She emphasized that all his friends and family wish to visit him, bring him treats like Toblerones, and cheer him up. The inability to access him remains the primary source of anxiety for those close to him, who feel cut off from a man they know to be socially engaged and connected.
Alex Millington-Cotes, Fiennes' stepson, has taken active steps to address the situation. He told Newsnight that he wants the power of attorney currently held by his mother removed and transferred to individuals who have Fiennes' best interests at heart. To facilitate this legal challenge, Millington-Cotes launched a crowdfunding campaign last week. The fundraiser is intended to cover legal fees necessary to locate and safeguard the explorer.
In describing the motivation behind the campaign, Millington-Cotes cited concern and desperation after trying multiple avenues to find his stepfather. He noted that seeing Fiennes isolated now is very painful for the family. The financial drive underscores the seriousness of the dispute over control and access, highlighting a breakdown in communication between the explorer's inner circle and those currently managing his affairs.
Cheshire Police have acknowledged awareness of the concerns raised by the family. Authorities stated they are satisfied that Sir Ranulph is living in an appropriate setting with suitable care. They confirmed there are no immediate safeguarding concerns, suggesting that from a law enforcement perspective, the explorer's basic needs are being met and he is not in imminent danger.
Louise Millington-Cotes did not immediately respond to the allegations or requests for comment from the BBC. The lack of response has left many questions unanswered regarding the specific circumstances of Fiennes' placement and the rationale behind using assumed names. As the legal and familial dispute continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the explorer's wishes are respected while maintaining his safety and health.
The case highlights complex issues surrounding elder care, power of attorney, and family dynamics when a public figure becomes vulnerable. While police assure the public that no immediate risks exist, the emotional toll on relatives is evident. The outcome of the legal proceedings initiated by Millington-Cotes may determine future access to Fiennes and clarify the management of his personal and medical affairs.
As the crowdfunding campaign proceeds, attention will likely remain on whether legal intervention can restore family contact. The contrast between the police assessment of adequate care and the family's perception of isolation underscores the difficulty in resolving such disputes without clear evidence of misconduct or neglect. The situation remains unresolved, with the explorer's current location and state of mind still largely unknown to those who love him.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Family of British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes say they don't know where he is
