Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, are reportedly at the centre of a dispute in their Berkshire village over public access to a footpath leading to their £15 million country mansion. The couple have erected signs reading 'Private: No Public Access' and 'No Trespassing' after moving into the property, which was previously owned by the late Sir Terence Conran.
Sir Terence, a renowned designer and restaurateur, had allowed locals to use the country lane that leads to the Georgian mansion's private drive for 50 years. The change in access has left some villagers frustrated, with one stating: 'I like to walk, and I don't see why I can't walk there. I have been walking along there for 50 years.' Another added: 'It feels they are depriving the village of an amenity.'
The couple moved into the property two years ago and have not commented. It is understood that the drive is not a public right of way, and permission is at the owner's discretion. West Berkshire Council is currently reviewing an application by a local walking group to designate the access as a right of way, which would compel the couple to allow public passage.
Ms Middleton, the younger sister of the Princess of Wales, married Mr Matthews, a hedge fund manager and former racing driver, in 2017. The exact location of the estate has not been disclosed to protect their privacy.
