Visits to see Sir Ranulph Fiennes 'selective and tightly controlled', says stepson

Visits by friends and loved ones to see Sir Ranulph Fiennes are still "really selective and quite tightly controlled", according to his stepson.

The 82-year-old adventurer has reportedly been moved to a specialist dementia unit, with some friends and family now allowed to visit him.

Those who have seen him said he is being well cared for and has a carer to keep him company, the Daily Telegraph reported.

But his stepson, Alex Millington-Cotes, said he has not seen Sir Ranulph in about two years, claims he remains blocked from contact, and maintains his stepfather should have "access to anyone who he wishes to see".

Mr Millington-Cotes also said he does not know where Sir Ranulph is being cared for.

It was reported last month that the King was blocked as he tried to check on the wellbeing of his long-time friend, with Sir Ranulph's wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, 59, said to have rejected Charles' attempts to get in contact.

Some of the explorer's other famous friends, including Joanna Lumley, John Simpson, Monty Don, Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle, have spoken out recently amid concerns about his isolation and worsening health, with continued calls for an investigation into his wellbeing by both police and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

Mr Millington-Cotes said knowing some visitors are now being allowed is "a slight bit of comfort", but he voiced his continued concern for his stepfather's wellbeing.

On visits, he said: "It's the lack of visibility that concerns me, and I suppose, obviously, there's not really much transparency there still for anyone."

He added: "It's really not just about me, and it's not even necessarily about other people. It's about Ran's access to anyone who he wishes to see.

"So far, it seems to be particular selected individuals for one reason or another, and it's just not right. It's not coming from his decision."

He continued: "I just worry very much about him. I don't know whether the room he's in is really comfortable, (if) he's got all sorts of mementos to allow him to think about his past times and all the good times he's had - I just don't know."

Mr Millington-Cotes, 31, is continuing to fundraise for potential legal action challenging whether his mother is exercising her power of attorney over his stepfather appropriately.

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Previously, Cheshire Police said the force "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" adding that, "No immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified at this time".

The OPG, which protects those who lack mental capacity through its statutory responsibilities for powers of attorney, deputyship and guardianship supervision, said: "We have a strict duty of confidentiality to all individuals who have made a lasting power of attorney and it would be inappropriate to comment on a specific case."

(c) Sky News 2026: Visits to see Sir Ranulph Fiennes 'selective and tightly controlled', says stepson