Ranulph Fiennes's stepson has requested that his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, be stripped of her power of attorney as the 82-year-old's location remains unknown to his family and friends. Reports indicate that the retired explorer has been residing in various care facilities under a false name, as directed by his wife. His whereabouts became uncertain after he did not attend a gala held in his honor in October 2024.
While in a care home in rural Wales, Louise Millington-Cotes has implemented strict measures, requiring Sir Ranulph to remain in his room and avoid social interactions. When he needed to leave his quarters, he was instructed to wear sunglasses, a hat, and gloves to prevent recognition.
Documents reviewed by the Daily Mail revealed that the care home owner expressed concerns regarding unusual medication arrangements made by Lady Fiennes and questioned the legitimacy of a 'Do Not Resuscitate' document she provided. This has led to calls from Sir Ranulph's family for an investigation into his living conditions, claiming that the Office of the Public Guardian has not responded to their requests regarding his welfare.
Alexander Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph's stepson, has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support a legal case aimed at revoking his mother's power of attorney. He stated his goal is to ensure that his stepfather's wishes are honored, allowing him more freedom to engage with others.
Arabella McIntyre-Brown, the sister of Sir Ranulph's late first wife, expressed concern over his physical and mental wellbeing, noting that he has been isolated for an extended period. She urged the Office of the Public Guardian to take action promptly.
Sir Ranulph was last publicly seen at a gala organized by the Royal Geographical Society in October 2024, where he appeared in a pre-recorded video. Since then, friends have struggled to contact him, growing increasingly worried about his safety.
Recent investigations revealed that Sir Ranulph has been moved between multiple facilities, including four care homes and a hotel, within a year. He arrived at the Welsh care home on January 21 and spent 49 days there. Despite having lasting power of attorney granted to Louise Millington-Cotes, the Care Inspectorate of Wales found that Sir Ranulph was unlawfully deprived of his liberty, as his wife lacked the necessary authorization for his residence. Additionally, she did not provide a medication list despite repeated requests, and staff noted that no doctor had seen him during his stay at the care home.