Gardeners' World host Monty Don has joined calls for an investigation into the welfare of his friend, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, after a care watchdog found the 82-year-old is being deprived of his liberty unlawfully.
Sir Ranulph, who has Parkinson's, has reportedly been kept in care facilities under a fake name on the instruction of his wife. He was last seen publicly in October 2024 and is said to have been subjected to extreme restrictions, including being made to disguise his appearance and not being allowed to see friends or family.
Concerns raised after care home alert
Concerns were raised after the owner of a care home in Wales alerted police, local authorities and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) about his welfare, according to a report by The Telegraph.
Following an urgent review, the Care Inspectorate Wales said the explorer was being held illegally. In an official document, the watchdog confirmed: "Currently [Sir Ranulph] is being deprived of his liberty unlawfully as there is no authorised deprivation in place which reflects the current residence and restrictions in place."
Monty Don's plea
Monty Don said: "My family and I have known Ran for over 40 years and he is one of the most inspirational, remarkable – and kindest – of men I have known. And of course, other than personal affection, he should be enjoying the admiration and respect of the whole country after such a remarkable life and not kept hidden away from family and friends."
He added, according to The Independent: "If anyone can be called a national treasure it is Ran and I do feel that it is vital that the OPG urgently investigates his case and all the facts can be brought to light."
Bear Grylls joins calls
Bear Grylls also weighed in, joining calls for police and the OPG to investigate. He said he and others had been "desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail".
He added: "Ran is a true British icon for so many around the world – a pioneer, a humble warrior and a good friend to so many of us. He never failed to support me when I needed help. Now is our time."
"These reports of his isolation from his loved ones and treatment in care homes are so deeply disturbing. That a hero like Ran should have to face this is very hard to read. It’s past time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate urgently. We owe it to him. Ran we are coming!"
The watchdog also noted that Sir Ranulph "is under continuous supervision and control, is not free to leave and is not able to consent to care, treatment and accommodation." It added: "As such, the provider is required to make an urgent and standard application under the deprivation of liberty safeguards as soon as practicable."
The Express has been unable to contact Sir Ranulph's wife for comment. The publication has reached out to the Care Inspectorate Wales for further comment.
