Relatives and friends of celebrated British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have stated they have been unable to reach or see the 82-year-old explorer for several months, sparking concerns about his well-being. His former sister-in-law, Arabella Pepper, revealed to the BBC that she is unaware of his current whereabouts, noting that no one has been permitted to visit him.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that Sir Ranulph is residing in multiple care facilities under assumed names following a family dispute involving his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes. When approached by the BBC regarding these claims, Millington-Cotes did not provide an immediate response.
Cheshire Police confirmed they are aware of the situation but stated they are satisfied that the explorer is in an appropriate setting receiving suitable care, adding that there are no immediate safeguarding concerns.
The controversy arises just months after Sir Ranulph publicly discussed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. He has not appeared in public for nearly two years. Recognized by Guinness World Records as “the world’s greatest living explorer,” he made history in the early 1980s as the first person to reach both the North and South Poles via surface travel.
Alex Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph’s stepson, told Newsnight that he is seeking to have power of attorney removed from his mother, Louise, and transferred to individuals who prioritize the explorer’s best interests. Describing the isolation as “very painful,” he launched a crowdfunding campaign last week to cover legal fees aimed at locating and safeguarding his stepfather.
Pepper, the younger sister of Sir Ranulph’s late first wife, Ginny, shared that she had not seen her brother-in-law for over a year until she admitted herself to a care home where she believed he was staying in July 2025. Upon seeing him, she recalled the visible relief on his face and noted that he expressed a deep longing to see his friends and family again.
Power of attorney battles often hide elder abuse. Police say he’s safe, but where exactly is he?
Allegedly living under assumed names? That raises more red flags than it solves. Is this really suitable care?
It is heartbreaking that a man who explored the poles can’t see his family. Hope the courts intervene quickly.