King reportedly blocked after trying to check on Sir Ranulph Fiennes

King Charles was reportedly blocked while trying to check on the wellbeing of his long-time friend, adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, after concerns were raised about his declining health and isolation.

The Telegraph revealed that the King was left “most concerned” about the 82-year-old, who has not been seen in public for two years, after fellow explorer Anton Bowring wrote to him in February last year seeking his help.

The Press Association understands that Bowring sent a letter to the monarch’s principal private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, saying Sir Ranulph was “in a very poor state”, had been in his wife’s care since the previous September and that friends were worried.

The King’s then-equerry, Commander William Thornton, later contacted Bowring to say Charles wanted to write to Sir Ranulph, his wife Louise Millington-Cotes and their daughter Elizabeth. He also asked for Ms Millington-Cotes’ telephone number.

However, she was reportedly angry after Buckingham Palace was given her details and is said to have blocked the King’s attempts to reach out.

Friends including Bear Grylls, Ben Fogle, Joanna Lumley, John Simpson and Monty Don have spoken publicly about the situation in recent weeks. There have also been calls for investigations into Sir Ranulph’s wellbeing by the police and the Office of the Public Guardian.

Grylls called Sir Ranulph a “true British icon” and said reports of his isolation and treatment in care homes were “deeply disturbing”.

Sir Ranulph is said to have been moved to care homes in Wales and Cheshire during the past year under an assumed identity. His current whereabouts are unknown.