Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, are facing criticism from residents in their Berkshire village due to a dispute over a blocked public footpath.

Estate Gate Controversy

The couple has erected electric gates and “private” signage across Mill Lane, a lane running through their 145-acre Barton Court estate, which they purchased in 2022 for £15 million. Residents claim the lane has been a public right of way since the 1960s.

Local Reactions

Villagers describe the couple as “inconsiderate,” “snooty,” and “nouveau riche.” Blocking access to Mill Lane forces residents to use a busy road without sidewalks, raising safety concerns. Locals have dismissed Middleton’s royal connection, criticizing what they perceive as arrogance.

Past Family Dynamics

The dispute has drawn comparisons to Middleton’s sister-in-law, Vogue Williams, wife of James Matthews’ brother, Spencer Matthews. A perceived rift between Pippa Middleton and Vogue Williams emerged after Williams was reportedly not invited to Pippa and James’s 2017 wedding due to a ‘no ring, no bring’ policy.

Evolving Perceptions

Speculation of a rift continued, fueled by differing lifestyles. Some reports suggested Pippa viewed Vogue as ‘tacky’. This current situation is leading some to believe Pippa is exhibiting traits previously associated with Williams.

Council Involvement and Next Steps

The Matthews family maintains that the lane is not formally designated a public right of way by West Berkshire Council and disputes the name ‘Mill Lane’. A council spokesperson stated they are taking a ‘neutral stance’ in an upcoming meeting to address the issue.

This incident marks a shift in public perception of Pippa Middleton, who has previously prioritized a low-key lifestyle. It also echoes past instances where Middleton has taken assertive legal action, such as pursuing legal recourse against a parody social media account.