A care home owner in Wales raised several concerns about Sir Ranulph’s wellbeing with authorities, prompting the likes of Monty Don to call for a further investigation
Monty Don has called for an investigation to get underway(Image: Getty)
Monty Don is among numerous well-known figures demanding an inquiry into Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ wellbeing. The 82-year-old adventurer, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, has allegedly been “unlawfully deprived of his liberty” while residing in care establishments under a false identity, at the direction of his wife.
Ranulph, whose last public appearance was in October 2024, is reported to be facing severe limitations, including being required to alter his appearance to avoid recognition and being prevented from seeing friends or relatives.
Alarm bells were raised after the proprietor of a care facility in Wales contacted police, local authorities and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) regarding his welfare, according to a report by The Telegraph.
His immediate family and close friends have now reacted to the care watchdog’s findings, demanding an urgent inquiry.
Gardeners’ World host Monty said: “My family and I have known Ran for over 40 years and he is one of the most inspirational, remarkable – and kindest – of men I have known. And of course, other than personal affection, he should be enjoying the admiration and respect of the whole country after such a remarkable life and not kept hidden away from family and friends.”
He continued, according to The Independent: “If anyone can be called a national treasure it is Ran and I do feel that it is vital that the OPG urgently investigates his case and all the facts can be brought to light.”
Bear Grylls also waded into the controversy, joining those calling for both the police and the OPG to launch an investigation. He revealed that he and others had been “desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail”.
He went on to say: “Ran is a true British icon for so many around the world – a pioneer, a humble warrior and a good friend to so many of us. He never failed to support me when I needed help. Now is our time,” he added.
“These reports of his isolation from his loved ones and treatment in care homes are so deeply disturbing. That a hero like Ran should have to face this is very hard to read. It’s past time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate urgently. We owe it to him. Ran we are coming!”.
Following an urgent review, Care Inspectorate Wales concluded that the renowned explorer was being held unlawfully.
In an official statement, the regulatory body confirmed: “Currently [Sir Ranulph] is being deprived of his liberty unlawfully as there is no authorised deprivation in place which reflects the current residence and restrictions in place.
“[Sir Ranulph] is under continuous supervision and control, is not free to leave and is not able to consent to care, treatment and accommodation.
“As such, the provider is required to make an urgent and standard application under the deprivation of liberty safeguards as soon as practicable,” they added.
Reach PLC has been unable to reach Ranulph’s wife for comment. We have also approached Care Inspectorate Wales seeking further response.
