Family of British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes say they don't know where he is

Family and friends of celebrated British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes have expressed their distress as they have been unable to locate or communicate with him for months. His former sister-in-law, speaking to the BBC, admitted she has no idea where the 82-year-old is, and nobody has been able to visit him. Allegations suggest that Sir Ranulph, suspected of being in various care homes under false identities, has been the subject of a family dispute involving his second wife, Louise Millington-Cotes.

Louise Millington-Cotes has not yet commented on the allegations or provided information to the BBC. Cheshire Police are aware of the concerns surrounding Sir Ranulph and have confirmed that he is residing in a suitable care facility, with no immediate safeguarding issues identified. Sir Ranulph hasn't been seen in public for nearly two years, following his disclosure of a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in recent months.

He is renowned for being the first explorer to reach both poles by surface means in the early 1980s and is recognized by The Guinness Book of Records as "the world's greatest living explorer." Sir Ranulph's stepson, Alex Millington-Cotes, has called for the removal of the power of attorney from his mother and its transfer to individuals who genuinely prioritize his best interests.

He expressed his pain at seeing his father isolated. A recent crowdfunding campaign was launched by Alex to cover legal expenses for locating and safeguarding his stepfather, citing desperation after numerous attempts to find him had failed. Arabella Pepper, the younger sister of Sir Ranulph's late first wife, Ginny, also shared her inability to see her former brother-in-law for over a year.

She claims that she finally managed to visit him in July 2025 after admitting herself to a care home where he was supposedly residing. Pepper emphasized the widespread worry, as all his friends and family have been desperately searching for him, eager to provide comfort and support. She recounted a moment in July 2025 when she saw Sir Ranulph and expressed her relief, noting his visible longing to be reunited with his loved ones.