Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa facing backlash from neighbours: report
Pippa Middleton and her billionaire husband have reportedly earned the wrath of their neighbours over a controversial decision.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IN LONDON
Pippa Middleton and her billionaire husband James Matthews are reportedly embroiled in a nasty local dispute over access to a footpath on their private $29 million estate.
According to newspaper The Mail on Sunday, the Princess of Wales’ younger sister and the hedge fund manager have allegedly blocked access to a footpath near their home, installing signs by a gate on the 145-acre, 32-room property in West Berkshire, west of London, to stop locals from using it as a thoroughfare.
Unsurprisingly, many of the village’s residents are unhappy with the decision, it’s been reported.
The couple moved into the luxurious home in 2022. Pippa and James are parents to son Arthur, 5, and daughters Grace, 3, and Rose, 2.
According to The Mail, the private footpath – which is not a public right of way – was open for general use under the property’s previous owner, Sir Terence Conran who ran several major UK retail chains.
“I like to walk, and I don’t see why I can’t walk there. I have been walking along there for 50 years. When Sir Terence had it, he had no objections. I think we should have a right to roam,” one frustrated villager said told the publication.
“I think it is a shame. It is a lovely walk. Although it wasn’t officially a footpath, Sir Terence didn’t have any objections. He was very nice. Everyone liked him. He was quite involved in the village,” another said.
“It feels they are depriving the village of an amenity.”
However, not all of their neighbours were upset by their decision.
“The public assume it is a right of way. It has never been a right of way,” one said.
“They were always allowed to walk it by the previous landowner but now it’s owned by somebody else. [The Matthews] have just exercised their right.
“ … If it was their house or garden, would they want anybody to walk through it?”
The issue reportedly kicked off in March, when James’ estate manager sent a Highway Declaration Notice to West Berkshire Council “marking out his private territory”.
The Mail reports that a local walking group launched a counter application, arguing that it should be a public right of way.
The local council is expected to reach a decision next year, but for now – access permission is in James and Pippa’s hands.
Despite their proximity to the throne, the couple has kept a low profile since their engagement in 2016, previously telling People magazine they shared a “deep disappear” to stay out of the spotlight, and planned on “leading a quiet life.”
The pair tied the knot at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, also in West Berkshire, in May 2017, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte making up part of the bridal party.
Kate was on hand to help usher the young bridal party into the ceremony, while Prince William and Prince Harry attended as guests.
More Coverage
Originally published as Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa facing backlash from neighbours: report
Shock Sussex marriage claims emerge
A celebrated royal expert has broken ranks and declared that the Duchess of Sussex will “inevitably” ditch her husband Prince Harry.
King urged to ignore Harry’s calls: report
The King has been privately encouraged to steer clear of his youngest son in recent months, it’s been claimed.