Ranulph Fiennes's wife allows some visitors after welfare concerns; stepson still barred

Right · 2Sir Ranulph Fiennes's wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, is reported to be allowing selected friends and family to visit the explorer after growing concern over his whereabouts. 1 2 Right · 2Fiennes, 82, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019 and has reportedly been moved to a specialist dementia unit. Those who have seen him say he is well cared for and spends his days with a dedicated carer. 1 2 Right · 2Ms Millington-Cotes, 59, is understood to have opened channels of communication and shared his location with a small number of people after the Telegraph reported on his situation. Her son, Alex Millington-Cotes, 31, who is estranged from her, has been refused access. 1 2

Right · 1Alex Millington-Cotes says he has not seen his stepfather in about two years and does not know where he is being cared for. He called it "a slight bit of comfort" that some visitors are allowed, but said access is "really selective and quite tightly controlled" and that the decisions appear to come from his mother rather than from Fiennes. 2 Right · 2Alex Millington-Cotes has run a GoFundMe, titled "Locate and Safeguard Sir Ranulph Fiennes", which the Express says has raised more than £30,000 for possible legal action over whether his mother is using her power of attorney appropriately. Several relatives and friends are also reported to be seeking a Court of Protection hearing on the question. 2 1 Right · 1The Daily Mail reports claims that she previously moved him between care homes and required visitors to sign non-disclosure agreements about his whereabouts. Its investigation found he was moved between five locations in one year, four care homes and a hotel. Fiennes was last seen publicly in October 2024, in a pre-recorded video for a Royal Geographical Society gala. 1

Right · 1The Mail also reports that Care Inspectorate Wales concluded he was being unlawfully deprived of his liberty during a 49-day stay at a Welsh care facility because the necessary authorisation was not in place. The home's owner told the paper that Lady Fiennes did not supply a medication list from a prescriber, that some antibiotics were prescribed in her name, and that no doctor saw him in that time. The owner also alleged she asked staff to alter some doses. Her response is not given in either article. 1 Right · 1Friends including Bear Grylls, Ben Fogle, Joanna Lumley, John Simpson and Monty Don have spoken out, with calls for police and Office of the Public Guardian investigations. It was reported last month that the King was blocked when trying to check on his friend. Cheshire Police said it and partner agencies are satisfied he is living in an appropriate setting with suitable care and professional oversight, with no immediate safeguarding concerns identified. The Office of the Public Guardian declined to comment on a specific case, citing confidentiality. 2