Family of Ranulph Fiennes challenge wife's power of attorney as police say care is suitable

Relatives and friends of Sir Ranulph Fiennes say they have been unable to see or contact him for months, and some are preparing to challenge the legal arrangements that give his wife control over his care. The explorer, who is in his 80s and has Parkinson's disease, has not been seen in public for about two years.

Sir Ranulph is known for polar expeditions, crossing Antarctica on foot, and becoming the oldest Briton at the time to climb Mount Everest, at 65. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019. Media reports, including an investigation by the Daily Telegraph, claim he has been admitted to a succession of care homes under assumed names. Friends and family say visitors have been banned and his location has been kept secret.

His second wife, Louise Millington-Coates, holds lasting power of attorney over him. That gives her the legal right to make decisions about his care, health, finances and where he lives. It has been reported that the power was granted in 2024. She has not responded to requests for comment.

Earlier this year, a care home where he was living raised concerns with police and authorities, according to the reports. The Care Inspectorate of Wales is said to have found that Sir Ranulph was being deprived of his liberty unlawfully because his wife had not ensured a deprivation of liberty safeguards order was in place, despite repeated reminders. The care home owner had been told such an order was essential. The inspectorate confirmed in an email in January that there was no authorised deprivation in place. It has also been reported that he was moved to other care homes, including one across the border in Cheshire, England, which would bring a different regulatory regime.

The Care Inspectorate of Wales has said it cannot comment on individual cases, but that providers must apply to the local authority for a deprivation of liberty safeguards authorisation when a person is under continuous supervision and control, is not free to leave, and lacks the capacity to consent to their care arrangements.

Family members have given first-hand accounts. His stepson, Alexander Millington-Coates, said he wants the power of attorney removed from his mother and placed with one or several people who have Sir Ranulph's best interests in mind. Arabella Pepper, the sister of Sir Ranulph's late first wife Ginny, said she managed to see him for an hour in July last year. She booked respite care at a London care home where he was living under the pseudonym Ron Westwood. She said he was thin and frail but his humour and memory were intact. He told her he was fine in the mornings but became fuzzy at lunchtime. She said he asked her to send a message to everyone: 'send them my love, tell them I love them and tell them I'm longing to see them.' A receptionist later told her that Ron Westwood was no longer a resident. Letters sent to him were returned.

Legal experts say removing an attorney is not straightforward. Simply being unhappy with the attorney's conduct is not enough; misconduct must be proved in court. Cheshire Police have said they are aware of the concerns and are satisfied Sir Ranulph is living in an appropriate setting with suitable care and professional oversight. They said no immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified. Arabella Pepper said the statement did not reassure her and she wanted to know how police reached that conclusion. There are also reports that King Charles has tried to contact his friend without success. Sir Ranulph's literary agent said there has been no direct contact with him for two years. His family has asked the media to respect their privacy.