In a contentious dispute around the utilization of a route on the couple's estate, Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthew, have been surrounded by enraged townspeople who have gathered around them.
The community dispute began following the couple's announcement that they had "closed off a lane" by their West Berkshire country pile. Sir Terence Conran, a design mogul, was the former owner of the breathtaking grounds. He made it possible for anyone living in the surrounding area to utilize the delightful road that led up to the private drive surrounding the estate.
On the other hand, it has recently been asserted that the two individuals have taken measures to end that by putting up signs that warn of "Private: No Public Access" and "No Trespassing." A number of people have referred to their decision to block the door as "outrageous," while others have encouraged them to reconsider.
In 2017, Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, tied the knot with James Matthews, a hedge fund manager, PEOPLE Magazine reported. James Matthews is the older brother of Spencer Matthews, a star on Made in Chelsea. With their three children, Arthur, who is five years old; Grace, who is three years old; and Rose, who is two years old, the couple currently resides in a property valued at fifteen million pounds.
On the other hand, disagreements have recently arisen among the residents, as reported by the Mail on Sunday. One of the neighbors said, "These people seem to be overprotective of their property. I don't think it is right. We are quiet villagers, we don't have vandalism around here. With all the notices stuck up, it feels like us and them."
Another told the publication, "It's 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 and everyone liked him." They said it feels like Pippa and James are depriving the village of an amenity.
However, another local was eager to emphasize that the two individuals are within their rights to restrict access to the general public, as per The Mirror. They stated that many people believe the pathway to be a right of way, but in reality, it has never been a right of way.
In March, the two individuals presented West Berkshire Council with a Highway Declaration Notice, which delineated the private area that they were occupying. At this time, the road is off-limits, and the decision has not yet been fully implemented.
The extravagant Georgian mansion that they purchased in 2021 is situated on 150 acres and can accommodate a staggering 32 rooms. Following the excavation of the enormous walled garden in 2022 to install a swimming pool measuring 82 feet by 19 feet, concerns were stated regarding the residence's "historic fabric."
It was also claimed that there were concerns regarding the possibility of Middle Stone Age sites in the vicinity of the property due to its location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close proximity to ancient woods. Princess Kate and Prince William have relocated from their previous apartment at Kensington Palace to the much more humble Adelaide Cottage near Windsor. This mansion starkly contrasts the estate that her sister, Princess Kate, currently resides in.
