Pippa Middleton in village dispute over access to historic footpath on her £15M Berkshire estate

Pippa Middleton and her sister, Princess Kate, have always shared a close bond, from living together in their younger days to supporting each other through key life events. In his memoir Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James Middleton also talked about their relationship.

Pippa gained public attention when she was Kate’s maid of honour in 2011. She married financier James Matthews in 2017. The couple now reside at their sprawling £15 million Georgian mansion in Berkshire, which they purchased in 2022. The estate was formerly owned by designer Sir Terence Conran.

However, their property has now sparked a dispute with local residents over access to a historical footpath.

Pippa Middleton and husband James Matthews in conflict over public footpath access

Since moving into their Berkshire estate, Pippa and James have been embroiled in a dispute with villagers over a footpath running across their land. According to The Independent, the couple has blocked public access to this path after 50 years. Locals claim that they used the path freely for 50 years under the ownership of the former landlord.

The ‘outrageous’ move has led to a significant backlash, with many arguing that they are entitled to access this path based on historic use dating back to the 1960s. Pictures obtained show the couple has put signs that read ‘No Trespassing’ and ‘Private: No Public Access.’

Eugene Futcher, chairman of walking charity the West Berkshire Ramblers filed a ‘definitive map modification order’ to get the public access of the path. He said:

There is evidence through witness statements of the public having had access to this lane going back to the 1960s. There has been unfettered public access for decades if not centuries.

Another villager added:

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.

Meanwhile, there are villagers who also support their decision as the path was always ‘allowed’ to walk on by previous owners and as the new owners of the estate, they are just exercising their rights.

Inside Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’s lavish Berkshire mansion

Pippa and James’s Berkshire home is an architectural marvel, boasting 32 rooms, a walled garden, and serene river access. This 145-acre Georgian estate is located near Bucklebury, where Pippa and Kate’s parents live. The estate is 20-minute drive away from her parents house allowing the Middleton family to stay closely connected, reports The Express.

After selling their previous Chelsea home for £22.5 million, the couple sought a quieter countryside lifestyle. This prestigious property is a stone throws away from Kate and Prince William’s Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

Read more:

Why Prince William and Kate Middleton may skip Christmas at Sandringham

James Middleton on how Prince William changed Princess Kate: 'He brought out her confidence'

Kate Middleton: Her sister Pippa would get a title whether she becomes Queen Consort or not

Sources used:

The Independent: Pippa Middleton and husband James Matthew embroiled in village row over use of footpath at £15m country estate

The Express: Pippa Middleton's incredible £15 million Berkshire mansion close to sister Princess Kate