Adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle has spoken out about reports concerning his friend Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who is alleged to have been 'unlawfully deprived of his liberty' after being placed in a series of care homes.
Friends of the 82-year-old explorer have claimed that his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, strictly controls who can visit him and instructed staff to disguise him when out in public. Fogle, who has previously called Fiennes an inspiration, shared his thoughts on Instagram.
Fogle calls for investigation
'I've been deeply disturbed by the stories concerning my friend Ran Fiennes,' he wrote. 'That such a great man, hero of mine and a national treasure, should be treated in this way, isolated and kept away from family and friends, is very troubling. It is time for the Office of the Public Guardian and the police to investigate this case.'
Earlier this week, The Daily Telegraph reported that one of the facilities where Sir Ranulph lived had raised concerns over his welfare with the authorities and the police. The owner reportedly wrote to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), alerting them to the medical arrangements made by Millington-Cotes, including concerns about a 'do not resuscitate' document she provided.
Care home concerns and legal action
The care home owner also raised concerns with the Care Inspectorate of Wales, which declared Sir Ranulph was being unlawfully kept in care homes and unable to consent to his care or treatment. Fiennes' family and friends are now allegedly considering taking legal action to challenge her guardianship.
Alexander Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph's stepson and Mrs Millington-Cotes's estranged son, told The Telegraph he called the OPG and spoke to their safeguarding team, but had 'heard nothing back so far'.
Veteran foreign correspondent John Simpson wrote on X: 'Horrified to hear what's happened to my good friend Ran Fiennes. I'd like to tell the relevant authorities everything I know about the way he's been treated. He's the world's bravest man, and he's vulnerable. We must know what's happening to him.'
Sir Ranulph had reportedly spent time in a care home in London, Wales, and Cheshire. It is alleged that during his stay in London, Millington-Cotes made his friends sign non-disclosure agreements if they wanted to see him.
