Family members and close friends of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 82-year-old British explorer, report they have been unable to contact or visit him for months. While Cheshire Police state they are satisfied he is in an appropriate care setting with no immediate safeguarding concerns, his stepson and former sister-in-law allege he is being isolated and may be held in care homes under assumed names.
Family Allegations of Isolation and Secret Care Homes
Arabella Pepper, the younger sister of Sir Ranulph’s late first wife Ginny, told BBC Newsnight that she has not seen the explorer for over a year. Pepper alleges she only managed to see him in July 2025 by admitting herself into a care home where she had been informed he was staying. During that encounter, Pepper reports that Sir Ranulph expressed a longing to see his family and friends, telling her to send his love to everyone.
These claims are supported by Sir Ranulph’s stepson, Alex Millington-Cotes, who describes the explorer’s current isolation as “very painful.” Millington-Cotes has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees intended to “locate and safeguard” his stepfather, citing desperation after attempting multiple avenues to find him.
Legal Dispute Over Power of Attorney
The conflict centers on a family rift involving Sir Ranulph’s second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes. Alex Millington-Cotes told BBC Newsnight that he wants the power of attorney removed from his mother and transferred to individuals who have the explorer’s best interests in mind. Louise Millington-Cotes did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the BBC regarding these allegations.
Police Response and Health Background
Cheshire Police have confirmed they are aware of the concerns regarding Sir Ranulph’s wellbeing. The force stated they are satisfied he is living in a suitable environment with appropriate care and that there are “no immediate safeguarding concerns.” However, Alexander Millington-Cotes told The Telegraph that pleas for police forces to help locate the explorer and check on his wellbeing have “fallen on deaf ears.”
Sir Ranulph has not appeared in public for nearly two years. This disappearance follows his public disclosure of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which he shared months before he stopped appearing in the public eye.
Career of the World’s Greatest Living Explorer
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is recognized by The Guinness Book of Records as “the world’s greatest living explorer.” His career is highlighted by his achievements in the early 1980s, when he became the first person to visit both the North and South Poles by surface means.
Summary of Conflicting Perspectives on Sir Ranulph’s Care
| Source | Position on Status |
|---|---|
| Cheshire Police | Satisfied he is in an appropriate setting; no safeguarding concerns. |
| Alex Millington-Cotes | Alleges isolation; seeking legal means to locate and safeguard him. |
| Arabella Pepper | Claims he is inaccessible and may be in homes under assumed names. |