Wife allows relatives to visit Sir Ranulph Fiennes, but bars stepson
Sir Ranulph Fiennes’s wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, has begun allowing a small number of friends and relatives to visit him after concerns grew about his welfare and whereabouts. Her son, Alex, remains barred from seeing his stepfather, while relatives and friends are seeking a Court of Protection hearing to examine whether she is using her power of attorney in his best interests.
Fiennes, 82, has Parkinson’s disease and was moved to a specialist dementia unit after being transferred between care homes and other locations. He was last seen publicly in October 2024; an investigation found that in one year he had been moved between five places, including four care homes and a hotel, and spent 49 days at a Welsh facility. Care Inspectorate Wales concluded he was unlawfully deprived of his liberty there because the required authorisation was missing; the home’s owner also raised concerns about medication and lack of medical oversight. People who have visited say he is being well cared for, but restrictions on access remain a concern.
In short
- Fiennes’s wife is allowing some visits, but her son remains excluded.
- Friends and relatives want a court to review her power of attorney.
- Questions remain about his care and restrictions on access.
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The case for
Millington-Cotes may argue that, as Fiennes’s wife and attorney, she must protect his health, privacy and stability, and that limiting visits can be justified if they cause distress or disrupt care. The reported visits by some friends and relatives, and visitors’ accounts that he is well cared for, may support her view that she is making decisions around his needs.
The case against
Alex and other concerned relatives may argue that barring a close family member and restricting access, amid repeated moves and documented concerns about lawful care and medical oversight, warrant independent scrutiny. A Court of Protection hearing could establish whether the decisions reflect Fiennes’s wishes and best interests, and whether his attorney is exercising her authority appropriately.
Explained simply
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is a British explorer who has Parkinson’s disease and has been living in specialist care. His wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, holds power of attorney, which allows her to make certain decisions on his behalf.
Relatives and friends have raised concerns about his care and access to him after he was moved between several places, including care homes and a hotel. A Welsh care inspectorate found that he had been kept at one facility without the required legal authorisation.
The Court of Protection deals with decisions about people who may lack the ability to make them for themselves. A hearing could examine whether decisions made under Millington-Cotes’s power of attorney are in Fiennes’s best interests, including who can visit him.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Sir Ranulph Fiennes’s wife is allowing visitors after concerns were raised for his welfare… but bars son”.