Pippa Middleton and her husband, hedge fund manager James Matthews, face accusations of leveraging family royal connections to block public access to a footpath on their £15 million Berkshire estate.

Dispute Over Mill Lane Access

The conflict centers on Mill Lane at the Grade I-listed Barton Court, a 145-acre property purchased by the couple in 2022. Local residents in nearby Kintbury have long used the path as a safer alternative to the hazardous Station Road, which features blind turns, heavy traffic, and no sidewalks. The lane connects a public footpath to a causeway called The Avenue, crossing a railway bridge and following a scenic riverside route into the village.

Previous owner Sir Terence Conran kept the gates open, allowing passage. However, shortly after acquiring the estate, Middleton and Matthews installed electric gates and posted signs declaring ‘Private: No Public Access’ and ‘No Trespassing’ at both ends.

Residents Challenge the Closure

Thirty-five locals, supported by the Ramblers’ Association, petitioned West Berkshire Council to designate Mill Lane as a public right of way. A Planning Inspectorate hearing commenced in Kintbury village hall, with Matthews present to argue for privacy and security needs for his family, including Middleton and their three children.

Locals claim the couple seeks special treatment due to Middleton’s link to the Princess of Wales. One resident expressed frustration: ‘They’re not even the proper Royal Family.’

Longtime resident Samuel Robins, who has used the path unchallenged for years, testified: ‘I can state categorically that I have never been told to stop and turn back. It is difficult to see what security and privacy issues are caused.’

Councillor Tony Vickers noted he avoids the lane as it lacks official status but understands preferences for safety over the main road.

Couple’s Defense and Legal Context

Barrister Paul Wilmshurst, representing Matthews, argues in submissions that public status would create privacy difficulties and security risks. He describes the route as the longstanding private drive to Barton Court.

Kintbury resident Anthony Stansfield supports this: ‘I have never met the new owners. But I can quite understand their concerns about this.’

Lady Victoria Conran, widow of Sir Terence, plans to testify in favor of the couple. Government-appointed inspector Ken Taylor clarified that privacy and security fall outside the inquiry’s scope, focusing instead on legal public rights under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which requires 20 years of unfettered access.

Opposing claims of continuous use, Wilmshurst notes the Avenue’s rail bridge closed for six months in 2016 and gates locked about eight years ago after lorry damage.

Broader Concerns and History

West Berkshire Ramblers chair Eugene Futcher warns the closure endangers walkers: ‘People have used it for a very long time—certainly since the 1960s. Taking it away will be inconvenient, especially when walking is so important to mental health. It will force people onto the main road, which is very dangerous. There is no footpath or verge. The paths were never closed under Conran—he actively encouraged people to use them.’

The couple previously drew complaints for Matthews’ 50th birthday party last September, featuring a Spitfire display and noise until 1:30 a.m., disturbing local dogs.

A spokesperson for Middleton and Matthews denies any historical public access: ‘For as long as records exist, there has never been a footpath or public right of way on the land. For decades past there has always been signage pointing out this is the driveway to a private property, with no public access. There are other clearly marked footpaths nearby. The previous owners from as far back as the 1970s did not allow public access to the land. It has always been private property.’