King Charles was reportedly blocked from contacting his long-time friend, adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, as he tried to check on his well-being. The King was reportedly alerted to concerns about Sir Ranulph's declining health and isolation and left 'concerned'.
Questions about the 82-year-old, who has not been seen in public for two years, arose after fellow explorer Anton Bowring wrote to him in February last year asking for his help, The Telegraph revealed. But Sir Ranulph's wife Louise Millington-Cotes was said to have blocked the King's attempts to reach out, the newspaper said.
Letter to the King's principal private secretary
It's understood that Bowring sent a letter to King Charles' principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, saying Sir Ranulph was 'in a very poor state'. Sir Ranulph had been in the care of his wife since the previous September, and it was said that his friends were worried.
The King's then-equerry, Commander William Thornton, contacted Bowring later the same month, saying Charles wanted to write to Sir Ranulph, Ms Millington-Cotes and their daughter Elizabeth to express his concern and see if there was anything he could do to help. He also asked for Ms Millington-Cotes' phone number, but she reportedly fired off angry text messages to Bowring after Buckingham Palace was given her details.
Famous friends speak out
Famous friends of Sir Ranulph, including Bear Grylls, Ben Fogle, Joanna Lumley, John Simpson and Monty Don, have spoken out about the situation in recent weeks. Calls are growing for an investigation into his wellbeing by both the police and the Office of the Public Guardian.
Survivalist Grylls called him a 'true British icon' and said reports of his isolation and treatment in care homes were 'deeply disturbing'. Sir Ranulph is said to have been moved to care homes in Wales and Cheshire in the past year under an assumed identity, but his current whereabouts are unknown.
