Police address welfare concerns for 'Britain's greatest explorer' Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Police have said Sir Ranulph Fiennes is ‘living in an appropriate setting’ and receiving ‘suitable care’ after questions about the legendary explorer’s welfare had been raised.

The 82-year-old, who is widely regarded as the UK’s most daring explorer, was last seen in public in October 2024.

Last week, it emerged he had allegedly been placed into a succession of care homes by his second wife Louise Millington-Cotes under false names.

Sir Ranulph is said to have been moved to care homes in Wales and Cheshire in the past year under an assumed identity, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

There were also claims from family and friends that they had been prevented from seeing him, while King Charles was also alerted to his disappearance earlier this year.

King Charles was alerted about the situation earlier this year (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Arabella McIntyre-Brown, the sister of Sir Ranulph’s first wife, Ginny, who passed away in 2004, told The Daily Telegraph: “We – Ran’s family and close friends – have been very concerned for his safety and mental wellbeing [and the fact he has] been isolated for so long.

“Reports of his physical wellbeing are also very worrying. He’s a tough fellow, but he’s only human. The sooner the OPG moves, the better.”

His step-son Alexander Millington-Cotes claimed over the weekend that he had been in contact with police in the hopes of an investigation being launched.

Today (Monday 28 September), Cheshire Police detective chief superintendent Claire Jesson has responded to the reports for the first time.

In a statement to LBC, Jesson said: “Police and partner agencies are aware of the concerns raised and are satisfied that Sir Ranulph Fiennes is living in an appropriate setting with suitable care and professional oversight.

"No immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified at this time.

“Any new information received will be assessed and considered through the appropriate multi-agency arrangements.

“As this is a matter involving an individual's care and welfare, it would not be appropriate to comment further on personal circumstances. We would ask that privacy is respected and unnecessary speculation is avoided.”

The detective chief superintendent’s comments come after several famous faces also called for an investigation into the matter.

Bear Grylls said: “We have been desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail.

Bear Grylls is one of several famous faces who called for an investigation (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)

“But truth always wins out.

“These reports of his isolation from his loved ones and treatment in care homes are so deeply disturbing.

“It’s past time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate urgently. We owe it to him.

“Ran we are coming!”

While Ben Fogle said: “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.”

Veteran BBC correspondent John Simpson, a close friend of the explorer, also called for more information about the history-maker to be released.

In a post on X he wrote: “Horrified to hear what’s happened to my good friend Ran Fiennes.

“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.”