Britain's greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, was "unlawfully deprived of his liberty" after his wife secretly moved him through a series of care homes under a false name, a care watchdog report has revealed.
The 82-year-old, who vanished from public life nearly two years ago, was subjected to extreme restrictions, including being forced to wear sunglasses, a hat and gloves in public to prevent anyone from recognising him.
Concerns raised by care home owner
Alarm bells were raised after the owner of a care home in Wales alerted police, local authorities and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) over serious concerns for the adventurer's welfare. The care facility chief reported strange medical arrangements imposed by Sir Ranulph's 59-year-old second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, including a questionable "do not resuscitate" (DNR) document that could not be validated.
Friends and family of the polar explorer - who revealed he was living with Parkinson's disease prior to his disappearance - are reportedly preparing legal action to challenge his wife's guardianship following a bitter row over his care.
Mystery over disappearance
Mystery had surrounded Sir Ranulph ever since he failed to appear in person at a high-profile Royal Geographical Society gala held in his honour back in October 2024, sending only a brief pre-recorded video message instead.
It has since emerged that Sir Ranulph was moved across facilities in London, Cheshire, and Wales without the knowledge of his close friends or wider family. Visitors at one London home were allegedly forced to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before being allowed to see him.
Illegal detention findings
At the care home in Wales, Mrs Millington-Cotes employed a private carer to administer medication rather than registering the explorer with a local GP, claiming her husband was an "ex-SAS man whose life might be in danger from extremists."
Despite repeated warnings from staff that a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) order was legally required to keep him in the facility, his wife failed to secure one.
Following an urgent review, the Care Inspectorate of Wales concluded 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."
"[Sir Ranulph] is under continuous supervision and control, is not free to leave and is not able to consent to care, treatment and accommodation."
Rather than applying for the required legal orders, Mrs Millington-Cotes subsequently removed Sir Ranulph from the Welsh care facility. His current whereabouts remain unknown to everyone except his wife and their daughter, Elizabeth, 20.
Legal action planned
Friends of the explorer have previously expressed serious concerns for his safety, accusing his wife of completely cutting them out and refusing to allow visits. The group is now reportedly consulting lawyers to challenge her legal authority over his ongoing care.
Sir Ranulph married Ms Millington-Cotes a year after the death of his first wife, Virginia "Ginny" Fiennes, in 2004, from cancer. At 38, the Cheshire horse trainer was 23 years younger than Sir Ranulph. The Express has been unable to contact Ms Millington-Cotes for comment as of September 25.
