RANULPH FIENNES’ FAMILY RAISES ALARM AFTER POLICE AND CARE HOMES BECOME INVOLVED IN WELFARE CONCERNS

The family and friends of legendary British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have raised urgent concerns about his whereabouts and welfare after he reportedly spent time in a succession of care homes and has not been seen publicly for more than two years.

Fiennes, 82, is one of Britain’s best-known explorers, famous for pioneering expeditions and becoming the first person to cross Antarctica on foot.

Now, his stepson Alexander Millington-Cotes has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for specialist legal advice aimed at locating and safeguarding the explorer.

FAMILY STRUGGLES TO FIND HIM

According to reports, Fiennes’ second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, holds lasting power of attorney relating to his care.

Alexander, who is estranged from his mother, says he has spent the past two years trying different ways to find his stepfather.

He reportedly visited care homes where he believed Fiennes might have been staying, but on at least one occasion staff told him that the explorer was not there.

Alexander said he wanted nothing more than to have a simple conversation with the man who had been part of his life for years.

He described Fiennes as a kind and generous man who had supported him for much of his life.

WATCHDOG RAISED CONCERNS OVER HIS CARE

The concerns intensified after the Care Inspectorate of Wales reportedly concluded that Fiennes had been unlawfully deprived of his liberty during a period in a Welsh care home.

According to documents reported by The Independent and The Telegraph, the watchdog said Fiennes was under continuous supervision and control, was not free to leave and was unable to consent to his care, treatment or accommodation.

The inspectorate said an urgent application for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) should be made.

A care-home owner reportedly raised concerns with authorities about the arrangements surrounding Fiennes’ care.

Among the issues described were restrictions on his movements, medication arrangements and the lack of an appropriate DoLS authorisation at the time.

The care-home owner also reportedly contacted the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) over safeguarding concerns.

POLICE WERE ASKED TO CHECK ON HIS WELFARE

The situation escalated further when the owner of the care home contacted Cheshire Constabulary after learning that Fiennes’ location was reportedly not being disclosed to friends and relatives.

According to The Telegraph, police officers visited a Cheshire care home on September 18, 2026.

However, staff reportedly declined to confirm or deny whether Fiennes was staying there.

Alexander later visited the same facility and was also reportedly told that his stepfather was not there.

These reports have intensified calls from people close to Fiennes for authorities to establish where he is and examine the arrangements surrounding his care.

FRIENDS ALSO WANT ANSWERS

Fiennes’ longtime friend, veteran BBC journalist John Simpson, has publicly expressed concern.

Simpson said he wanted to provide authorities with everything he knew about the situation and called for transparency concerning the explorer’s welfare.

Arabella McIntyre-Brown, the sister of Fiennes’ late first wife Ginny, has also expressed concern.

She reportedly spent time at a London care home where Fiennes had previously stayed in an attempt to speak with him.

According to her account, Fiennes expressed a wish to see friends.

STEPSON LAUNCHES LEGAL FUNDRAISER

Alexander has now launched a crowdfunding campaign with a target of £55,000.

The money is intended to pay for specialist legal representation, court costs and efforts to establish Fiennes’ exact whereabouts so that the information can be shared with the relevant authorities.

He said that any money remaining after the legal work would be donated to Marie Curie and the British Heart Foundation, charities associated with Fiennes.

The fundraiser had collected several thousand pounds within its first day.

A LEGENDARY EXPLORER OUT OF PUBLIC VIEW

Fiennes has spent decades undertaking some of the world’s most demanding expeditions.

He became the first person to cross Antarctica on foot and has completed numerous extreme expeditions despite suffering serious injuries and health setbacks over the course of his career.

His last known major public appearance was more than two years ago.

At a Royal Geographical Society event held in his honour, Fiennes did not appear in person and instead sent a prerecorded message saying he was not well enough to attend.

His current whereabouts have not been publicly established.

The Office of the Public Guardian has said it cannot comment on individual cases, while reports indicate that authorities and relevant organisations have been approached about the concerns.

For now, Fiennes’ family and friends are continuing to seek answers about where the celebrated explorer is and whether the arrangements surrounding his care are adequately protecting his welfare.