Ranulph Fiennes' stepson has called for his wife to be stripped of her power over him after the 82-year-old went 'missing'.
Earlier this week, it was reported the retired explorer has been staying in care facilities under a fake name on the instruction of his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes. He went missing after he failed to show up to an in-person gala in his honour in 2024, instead appearing on a pre-recorded video.
Care home restrictions
During a stay at a care home in rural Wales, Millington-Cotes allegedly put measures in place that meant Sir Ranulph must be kept in his room, not socialise and not spend time in communal spaces. When he did need to leave his room, for example to be taken for a walk, he was allegedly required to wear sunglasses, a hat and gloves to avoid being recognised, the Daily Mail reports.
In documents seen by the outlet, the owner of the home raised concerns about unusual medication arrangements as well as a 'do not resuscitate' document. The revelations have worried Sir Ranulph's family, who have now demanded a full investigation. They have also accused the Office of the Public Guardian of ignoring repeated requests to look into the explorer's welfare.
Legal action and family concerns
Sir Ranulph's stepson – Alexander Millington-Cotes, 31 – has now launched a crowdfunding appeal to fund a legal case against his mother to remove the power of attorney. He told The Times his 'personal ambition would be to just see that power taken away from my mother'.
'I want to be able to give him the opportunity to go out for coffee, to see someone who he might want to see with complete freedom, anyone at all,' he said.
Arabella McIntyre-Brown, the sister of Sir Ranulph's late first wife, Ginny, told The Telegraph reports about Sir Ranulph's physical wellbeing were 'very worrying'. She said: 'We – Ran's family and close friends – have been very concerned for his safety and mental wellbeing [and the fact he has] been isolated for so long.'
Health and background
Sir Ranulph's closest friends have been attempting to contact him but have not managed to and are becoming increasingly worried. Sir Ranulph was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019 and has been transported between different facilities ever since, having moved five times in one year – four care homes and a hotel.
Millington-Cotes is 23 years younger than Sir Ranulph and has lasting power of attorney over his property, financial affairs, health and welfare. The pair were married in 2005 and have a daughter named Elizabeth.
