Jeremy Clarkson has joined a growing group of public figures calling for an investigation into the welfare of legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Writing in his October 11, 2026, column for The Times, the former Top Gear presenter expressed profound “despair” over reports that the 82-year-old is being held in care facilities under an alias, with some authorities labeling the arrangement unlawful.
Sir Ranulph, often described as the world’s greatest living explorer, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and has not been seen in public since October 2024. Recent reports suggest the explorer has been residing in care homes under the name “Ron Westwood,” a situation that has sparked a divide between regulatory findings and local police assessments.
The “Unlawful” Detention Allegations
The controversy intensified following a determination by Care Inspectorate Wales that Sir Ranulph was being “unlawfully deprived of his liberty.” This finding stems from a reported failure to follow Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which are legal protocols required when a person lacks the mental capacity to consent to their care arrangements and must stay in a facility for their safety.
Despite these findings, Cheshire Police have maintained a different stance. The force stated they have no immediate safeguarding concerns regarding Sir Ranulph’s well-being and indicated they are satisfied he is residing in an “appropriate setting.” This contradiction has fueled anxiety among the explorer’s long-term associates, who claim they have been blocked from contacting him.
The legal framework surrounding his care is further complicated by a lasting power of attorney granted to his wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, in 2024. While such arrangements are standard for individuals with progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, the use of aliases and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) for visitors at his care facilities has led to calls for greater transparency.
The “Ron Westwood” Alias and Restricted Access
Reports that Sir Ranulph was placed in care homes under false names like “Ron Westwood” have deeply disturbed his friends and peers. A group of notable figures—including Bear Grylls, Ben Fogle, and Joanna Lumley—has reportedly raised concerns about the difficulty of reaching the explorer. Some claims suggest that even attempts by high-ranking figures to facilitate contact have been unsuccessful.
The explorer’s stepson has also sought assistance in ensuring the veteran adventurer is being properly safeguarded. According to The Guardian, an appeal was launched to help locate and verify the safety of the explorer after his prolonged absence from public life began following a missed Royal Geographical Society gala nearly two years ago.
A Legacy of Adventure and Public Absence
Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ current situation stands in stark contrast to his life as a global icon of endurance. Clarkson’s personal connection to the explorer goes back years; the presenter previously shared that his mother once made a toy version of Bothie, the famous Jack Russell terrier that accompanied Fiennes on his Transglobe Expedition.
The explorer remains a beloved figure in British culture, remembered for being the first person to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel and for completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, just months after undergoing heart surgery. As the debate over his current care continues, the focus remains on whether the “unlawful” status determined by the Care Inspectorate will lead to a change in his residential circumstances or a more formal welfare intervention.
