# Care and guardianship dispute of Sir Ranulph Fiennes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/care-and-guardianship-dispute-of-sir-ranulph-fiennes
> Updated: 2026-10-01T23:03:08.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 4.

Allegations continue to mount regarding the welfare of British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has not been seen in public for approximately two years following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Reports suggest he has been moved between care homes in Wales and Cheshire using assumed identities. Concerns regarding his wellbeing were initially raised by a care home owner in Wales, noting unusual medical arrangements and a questionable ‘do not resuscitate’ order. The Care Inspectorate of Wales reportedly stated that Fiennes was being ‘unlawfully deprived of his liberty’ during a seven-week period at a Welsh facility. Newer reports indicate that Fiennes’ wife and legal guardian, Louise Millington-Cotes, has allegedly refused to share his location since early 2026. While friends were previously permitted to visit under non-disclosure agreements, Millington-Cotes is accused of orchestrating his disappearance by using false information to place him in various facilities since November 2024. It is noted that she obtained permanent power of attorney in November 2024. King Charles III is reportedly ‘most concerned’ after being alerted to Fiennes’ declining health and isolation by fellow explorer Anton Bowring. Bowring reportedly wrote to the King’s private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, stating that Fiennes was in ‘very bad condition’. Attempts by the King to reach out have allegedly been blocked by Millington-Cotes, who has reportedly threatened the King’s representatives through legal counsel. High-profile figures, including Bear Grylls and John Simpson, have joined calls for an urgent investigation. Meanwhile, Alexander Millington-Cotes has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support a legal challenge to contest his mother’s power of attorney, aiming to ‘locate and safeguard’ the explorer. In response to these ongoing concerns, Cheshire Police stated they are aware of the situation but indicated they are satisfied that Fiennes is in an appropriate setting with ‘no immediate safeguarding concerns.’

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Ranulph Fiennes: Concerns grow over isolation of world-renowned explorer

Family and friends of renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have raised alarms over his isolation and declining health, alleging his wife has restricted access to him while using pseudonyms in care homes.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ranulph-fiennes-concerns-raised-over-explorers-welfare-and-isolation

### 2026-09-29: Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Family launches legal fight over explorer's welfare

Family and friends of explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes are launching a legal fight to locate him and challenge his care, alleging his wife has isolated him in care homes under assumed names.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ranulph-fiennes-disappearance-sparks-family-concerns

### 2026-09-27: Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Welfare concerns raised as King Charles III is reportedly blocked from contact

King Charles III was reportedly blocked from checking on the welfare of explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes amid allegations of isolation and unlawful care by his wife and legal guardian.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sir-ranulph-fiennes-family-calls-for-investigation-into-care

### 2026-09-24: Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes reportedly held unlawfully in care homes

British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has reportedly been unlawfully deprived of his liberty by his wife, who is accused of concealing his location and using false identities while he resides in care homes.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ranulph-fiennes-accused-of-being-held-in-isolation-under-false-identity

---
Cite as: Care and guardianship dispute of Sir Ranulph Fiennes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/care-and-guardianship-dispute-of-sir-ranulph-fiennes