[REVISION HISTORY]

Care and guardianship dispute of Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-02 16:24 UTC → 2026-10-02 16:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.’

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