Ben Fogle issues plea over friend and ‘great man’ Ranulph Fiennes as stars ‘deeply disturbed’ for explorer’s wellbeing
Television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle has spoken out about the troubling situation surrounding Sir Ranulph Fiennes, posting his reaction on Instagram.
“I’ve been deeply disturbed by the stories concerning my friend Ran Fiennes,” he wrote.
Mr Fogle, who has long regarded the renowned explorer as a personal hero, demanded that authorities step in.
“That such a great man, hero of mine and a national treasure, should be treated in this way, isolated and kept away from family and friends, is very troubling,” he stated. “It is time for the Office of the Public Guardian and the police to investigate this case.”
The broadcaster has previously described the 82-year-old Sir Ranulph as an inspiration to him.
The allegations centre on claims that Sir Ranulph, widely regarded as the world’s greatest living explorer, has been “unlawfully deprived of his liberty” after being moved through a succession of residential care facilities.
His wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, is accused by friends of tightly restricting access to visitors wishing to see the 82-year-old.
Staff at the homes were also reportedly told to disguise Sir Ranulph whenever he was taken out in public, according to those close to him.
Ranulph Fiennes’s wife Louise Millington-Cotes, is accused by friends of tightly restricting access to visitors wishing to see the 82-year-old
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The Daily Telegraph revealed earlier this week that one of the facilities where he had been residing contacted both the authorities and police to raise welfare concerns.
Sir Ranulph is understood to have been placed in care homes across London, Wales and Cheshire.
The owner of one care facility reportedly wrote directly to the Office of the Public Guardian, flagging concerns about the medical arrangements that Millington-Cotes had put in place for Sir Ranulph.
Among the issues raised was a “do not resuscitate” document that she had allegedly provided to the home.
Bear Grylls and Sir Ranulph Fiennes in 2022
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The same care home operator also contacted the Care Inspectorate of Wales with their worries.
The Welsh regulatory body subsequently determined that Sir Ranulph was being unlawfully detained in care homes and that he lacked the capacity to give consent to either his care or his treatment.
These findings have added significant weight to the growing alarm expressed by those in Sir Ranulph’s circle about the conditions under which the celebrated explorer has been living.
Veteran foreign correspondent John Simpson also voiced his alarm on X.
Allegations suggest that Ranulph Fiennes has been ‘unlawfully deprived of his liberty’
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“Horrified to hear what’s happened to my good friend Ran Fiennes,” he wrote. “I’d like to tell the relevant authorities everything I know about the way he’s been treated. He’s the world’s bravest man, and he’s vulnerable. We must know what’s happening to him.”
Sir Ranulph’s stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, who is estranged from his mother, told The Telegraph that he had contacted the OPG’s safeguarding team but “heard nothing back so far”.
Relatives and close associates of the explorer are now reportedly weighing up legal proceedings to challenge Millington-Cotes’ guardianship over him.It has also been alleged that during Sir Ranulph’s time at a London care home, visitors were required to sign non-disclosure agreements before being permitted to see him.
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