Entertainment · Celebrity · 2 hrs ago
Friends and family allowed to visit Ranulph Fiennes, but stepson is barred
Explorer Ranulph Fiennes, 82, has Parkinson’s disease and lives in a specialist dementia unit.
His wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, holds power of attorney over his health and welfare, as well as his property and finances.
After friends and relatives raised concerns because they could not contact him, Millington-Cotes has let some people visit and shared his location with a small group.
Her son, Alex Millington-Cotes, says he has been denied access and fears he may never see his stepfather again.
Friends and relatives are seeking a Court of Protection hearing to examine whether she is using her powers appropriately.
Some visitors say Fiennes is well cared for, but questions remain about limits on contact.
Fiennes was last seen publicly in October 2024, and the court hearing would examine his care and access if the request proceeds.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes’s wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, has allowed some friends and family to visit him but has refused access to her son, Alex Millington-Cotes.
Relatives and friends are seeking a Court of Protection hearing to examine whether she is properly exercising her power of attorney.
Fiennes, 82, has Parkinson’s disease and was moved to a specialist dementia unit.
People who have visited him say he is being well cared for, while concerns remain about restrictions on access.
He has not appeared publicly since a Royal Geographical Society gala in October 2024, where he sent a pre-recorded message.
- Who
- Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, his wife Louise Millington-Cotes, and her son Alex Millington-Cotes.
- What
- Millington-Cotes has permitted some visits to Fiennes but has refused access to her son. Relatives and friends are seeking a court hearing about her use of power of attorney.
- When
- The report was published on 28 October 2026. Fiennes was last seen publicly in October 2024.
- Where
- Fiennes is in a specialist dementia unit; its location is not stated.
- Why
- Relatives and friends have raised concerns about his welfare and access to him. The sources do not state Millington-Cotes’s reason for refusing her son access.
Friends and relatives seeking greater access
Louise Millington-Cotes
Access
Friends and relatives seeking greater access
Friends and relatives are concerned about restrictions and want a court to examine whether the power of attorney is being exercised appropriately.
Louise Millington-Cotes
She has shared Fiennes’s location with a small number of people and permitted some visits, but has refused access to her son.
Welfare
Friends and relatives seeking greater access
A person close to Fiennes said familiar visitors could help him feel loved and supported.
Louise Millington-Cotes
People who have seen Fiennes say he is being well cared for and spends his days with a dedicated carer.
Fiennes became the first person to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel.
Fiennes married Louise Millington-Cotes.
Fiennes was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Fiennes sent a pre-recorded message to a Royal Geographical Society gala held in his honour.
The Daily Mail reported that Millington-Cotes was permitting some visits but refusing access to her son.
- Age
- 82
- Power of attorney
- Millington-Cotes holds it over Fiennes’s property, finances, health and welfare
- Last public appearance
- Royal Geographical Society gala, October 2024
- Care locations in one year
- Five: four care homes and a hotel
- Time at a Welsh care facility
- 49 days, after arriving on January 21
What people are saying
We want to know – has she acted in his best interests?
One can't help but feel that being in a good place with a gentle stream of familiar faces to break up the day will keep him feeling loved and supported, and that can only be a good thing.
hasn't acted right from the beginning