King Charles was blocked from contacting veteran explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes by the adventurer’s wife and legal guardian, Louise Millington-Cotes, according to reporting published by The Telegraph.
How the Palace Intervened in the Explorer’s Care
Anton Bowring, a fellow adventurer and friend of Sir Ranulph, previously wrote to the King’s private secretary to inform the monarch that the 82-year-old explorer was in a very poor state. In response, the King’s then-equerry contacted an individual who had written to the Palace asking how Charles could get in touch with Sir Ranulph. One of the King’s staff stated that the monarch was most concerned after being alerted to his friend’s declining health and isolation, and expressed a desire to help. The intermediary provided a phone number for Ms Millington-Cotes, believing Sir Ranulph would be thrilled to know the King cared about him.
The Wife’s Reaction and Threats to the Intermediary
Rather than welcoming the royal inquiry, Ms Millington-Cotes grew angry that her phone number had been shared without permission. About an hour after the initial outreach, Mr Bowring reportedly received a text message from her stating, “I’m going to be changing my phone number because of you!!!” According to The Telegraph, she threatened the intermediary with a solicitor and the police, telling them to back off and claiming their actions had caused her husband immense distress.
Concerns Raised by Fellow Adventurers and Family
Sir Ranulph, often described as the world’s greatest living explorer, has not been seen publicly for over two years. Friends and associates, including television adventurers Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, have backed calls for action following revelations that the explorer has been moved between a series of care homes under a false name. Alexander Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph’s estranged stepson, has attempted to persuade two police forces to investigate his disappearance, while the Care Inspectorate previously concluded that the explorer had been unlawfully deprived of his liberty.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
Why did King Charles try to contact Sir Ranulph Fiennes?
The monarch attempted to check on Sir Ranulph’s wellbeing after receiving a letter from friend and fellow adventurer Anton Bowring detailing the explorer’s declining health and isolation.
Who blocked the King’s contact attempt?
Louise Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph’s second wife and legal guardian, blocked the contact by threatening an intermediary with solicitors and the police after her phone number was shared with the Palace.
What are the official findings regarding his care?
The Care Inspectorate concluded that Sir Ranulph had been unlawfully deprived of his liberty, prompting calls for investigation from family members and high-profile adventurers like Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle.