Ranulph Fiennes’ care: What friends, family and celebrities have said about ‘missing’ explorer

Close friends and family members have increasingly become more vocal in their concern for the legendary adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has not been seen publicly for two years.

It has been reported that the 82-year-old had been deprived of his liberty unlawfully - however, Cheshire Police has said no “immediate safeguarding concerns” had been identified.

Friends including Bear Grylls and Monty Don have all expressed concern and have called for information on his whereabouts.

In a statement, adventurer Bear Grylls said: “Ran is a true British icon for so many around the world – a pioneer, a humble warrior and a good friend to so many of us. He never failed to support me when I needed help. Now is our time. We have been desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail.

“These reports of his isolation from his loved ones and treatment in care homes are so deeply disturbing. That a hero like Ran should have to face this is very hard to read. 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!”

TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle said he was “deeply disturbed” by the reports about Sir Ranulph’s care and urged an investigation.

He wrote on social media: “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. It is time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate this case.”

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don said: “My family and I have known Ran for over 40 years and he is one of the most inspirational, remarkable – and kindest – of men I have known.

“And of course, other than personal affection, he should be enjoying the admiration and respect of the whole country after such a remarkable life.”

At the start of this year, he was moved to a care home in Wales for seven weeks, and the Care Inspectorate Wales determined he was being unlawfully deprived of his liberty, according to The Telegraph.

The same newspaper reported that the King was said to be “most concerned” about the explorer after Anton Bowring, Sir Ranulph's business partner, contacted him to inform him of his declining health and isolation.

However, despite attempting to organise a call through his private equerry William Thornton, his wife did not place him in touch with her husband, it was reported.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the sailor, who took part in a 2009 BBC documentary with Sir Ranulph, said: “Like many who have shared adventures with Ran Fiennes, sharing his company and developing a huge respect for his strong character and determination, which developed into a strong friendship, I had become concerned at the inability to contact him.”

Joanna Lumley, the actress and television presenter, said: “He has always loved the company of his family and old friends, and I know that seeing the people who have been closest to him for decades would make him happier and more peaceful in his mind.

Gini Bowring, whose father Anton Bowring is Sir Ranulph’s business partner and long-standing friend, wrote on X: “Through all your expeditions and adventures, even in the most inhospitable places on Earth, we knew where you were.

“We knew how you were. If you needed help, we knew how to reach you. For two years, there has been silence. One minute you were there, the next…gone, unreachable!

“We don’t know where you are or how you are. We have tried to find you, and are still trying. We’re all hoping that the place where you should be safest has not become the hardest place you have ever had to face.”

Sir Ranulph’s stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, is calling for an investigation into his whereabouts after being unable to see his stepfather for more than a year.

He claims that police forces, including West Mercia Police and Cheshire Constabulary, have ignored his pleas for help. Both have been contacted by The Independent for comment.

The stepson is urging for action to be taken “swiftly” and has set up a GoFundMe page that has so far raised more than £20,000.

On Monday evening, Cheshire Police said it was satisfied Sir Ranulph was receiving suitable care.

Detective Chief Superintendent Claire 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,” she said.

“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.”