Pippa Middleton, sister of Princess Kate, and her husband, James Matthews, are finding themselves in hot water after taking steps to restrict public access to a footpath on their expansive estate in West Berkshire, England.
The couple has reportedly put up signs near a gate on their 145-acre property, which has sparked outrage among local residents who have long enjoyed walking the path.
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that the previous owner of the estate, the late Sir Terence Conran, had allowed locals to use the footpath without any issues.
Many villagers are voicing their discontent, stating that they feel deprived of a cherished community amenity.
One local resident expressed frustration, saying, “I like to walk, and I don’t see why I can’t walk there.
I’ve been using that path for 50 years, and there were no objections when Sir Terence owned it.”
Another villager lamented the change, describing the path as a lovely walk that was once open to everyone.
“It’s a shame,” they said.
“Sir Terence was very nice and involved in the village.
Now it feels like they’re cutting us off from something special.” The sentiment reflects a broader concern within the community about losing access to shared spaces.
The roots of this dispute trace back to March when James Matthews’ estate manager filed a highway declaration notice with West Berkshire Council, delineating the boundaries of their private territory.
This move prompted a backlash from local walking groups, including the West Berkshire Ramblers.
Their chairman, Eugene Futcher, has initiated a counter-application to seek official recognition of the path as a public right-of-way.
As the situation stands, the West Berkshire Council is expected to make a decision regarding the path’s status in 2025.
Until then, Pippa and James are legally permitted to enforce their own restrictions on access.
This ongoing saga has stirred significant interest and concern among locals who cherish their right to roam.
Pippa and James, who have resided in the estate since 2022, are parents to three young children: Arthur, aged five, and daughters Grace and Rose, who are three and two, respectively.
Despite their royal connections, the couple has expressed a desire for privacy and a quiet family life away from the public eye.
While they do enjoy occasional public appearances, such as attending Princess Kate’s annual Together at Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey, their recent actions have drawn unwanted attention.
In July, Pippa was spotted enjoying a day out at Wimbledon with her sister and niece, Princess Charlotte, but now faces scrutiny over her management of their estate.
The couple’s attempts to maintain privacy have now collided with the community’s expectations, creating a complex situation that highlights the tension between individual property rights and public access to shared spaces.