Cheshire Police have issued a statement defending the welfare of 82-year-old explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. This follows claims that the adventurer is being held in various facilities using an alias.
The controversy surrounding Sir Ranulph Fiennes mirrors broader concerns regarding the protection of vulnerable adults under lasting power of attorney.. Since Louise Millington-Cotes was granted legal authority over the explorer in 2024, his family has reported a significant shift in his accessibility. Alexander Millington-Cotes, the explorer's stepson, has voiced concerns that the adventurer is being kept away from his loved ones through a series of care home transfers.
The use of a false name in Cheshire care homes
Reports suggest that Sir Ranulph Fiennes has been living under an alias while moving between various residential facilities. According to reports from The Mail on Sunday, this practice has coincided with allegations that the explorer is being denied the freedom to see his family. The Care Inspectorate has reportedly concluded that the adventurer had been unlawfully deprived of his liberty, a finding that stands in stark contrast to the current stance of the Cheshire Constabulary.
The refusal of Cheshire and West Mercia police to intervene
Alexander Millington-Cotes has attempted to engage multiple law enfforcement agencies to locate his stepfather,but these efforts have largely stalled. while the Cheshire Police claim there are no immediate safeguarding issues, the West Mercia Police have indicated that they will take no further action as the investigation is being led by Cheshire. as The Telegraph reported, this lack of movement has left the explorer's supporters, including Ben Fogle, questioning how a national treasure can be so effectively shielded from public and familial scrutiny.
Hostility toward King Charles and the Royal Palace
The tension surrounding Sir Ranulph Fiennes' welfare has even reached the highest levels of the British government. The Telegraph reported that an attempt by King Charles to inquire about the explorer's health resulted in a confrontation with Louise Millington-Cotes. After the Palace sought contact details through an intermediary, the explorer's wife allegedly threatened the individual with legal action, further complicating efforts to ensure the adventurer's wellbeing.
The unanswered questions of the 2024 guardianship
Despite the public outcry from figures like Bear Grylls, several vital pieces of information remain missing. It is not yet clear how the Office for the Public Guardian intends to respond to the Care Inspectorate's findings regarding the deprivation of liberty. Additionally, the specific medical status of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, beyond his known struggle with Parkinson's disease, remains private, leaving the public to wonder if his physical health is being used as a justificaion for his continued isolation.
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