Pippa Middleton, sister to the Princess of Wales, has found herself at the center of a local dispute, but not one of adoration. Instead of welcoming smiles, she and her husband, James Matthews, have reportedly stirred discontent amongst their neighbours in the quiet village of Kintbury.
The couple’s grand estate, a sprawling 32-bedroom mansion once owned by a renowned designer, has become the focal point of the friction. Soon after moving in, they erected electric gates and “private property” signs across a historic laneway, effectively blocking a path long used by villagers.
This isn’t simply a matter of convenience; residents argue the blocked lane, known as Mill Lane, is a public right of way. Forcing pedestrians onto a busier road shared with heavy trucks has raised serious safety concerns, with one long-time resident fearing a tragic accident is inevitable.
The dispute escalated when the couple appealed a council decision to officially designate Mill Lane as a public right of way. A public meeting is scheduled next month, promising a tense showdown between the Matthews family and the community they’ve unsettled.
Adding fuel to the fire, Matthews himself described the lane in official documents as having “unremarkable views,” a dismissive assessment that has not been well-received. The path, stretching nearly a kilometre, offers a vital connection through the village and surrounding estates.
The conflict has fractured the close-knit community of 2,500, fostering an atmosphere of confrontation. Villagers lament the couple’s lack of engagement with local life, further exacerbating the sense of division.
This isn’t the first time the couple’s property modifications have drawn criticism. Previous plans for a large swimming pool were initially challenged due to potential environmental impact, and recent proposals for stables and extensions are currently undergoing archaeological investigation.
Even a celebratory birthday party for Matthews sparked complaints, with villagers disturbed by the noise emanating from the estate. The situation highlights a growing tension between the couple’s desire for privacy and the established rights of the community.
A representative for Middleton and Matthews maintains the lane has never been formally recognized as a public footpath, and even disputes its traditional name. The council is expected to remain neutral at the upcoming meeting, leaving the fate of Mill Lane – and the relationship between the couple and their neighbours – hanging in the balance.
The core of the issue seems to be a perceived sense of entitlement. Some villagers acknowledge the couple’s right to privacy on their property, but believe generosity and consideration for the community should also play a role.
