The brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales has emphasized the need for heightened security due to his family’s prominent status following a dispute over a footpath adjacent to their £15 million property.
Pippa, the sister of Kate Middleton, is wed to hedge fund executive James Matthews, who is the elder sibling of TV personality Spencer Matthews. The couple tied the knot in May 2017 and currently resides at Barton Court in West Berkshire with their three children.
James Matthews recently installed an electric security gate on the estate’s driveway, leading to a legal challenge by the West Berkshire Ramblers group seeking recognition of a public footpath on the premises. The West Berkshire District Council, after investigation, indicated that the footpath claim was potentially valid based on legal grounds and historical usage.
During a hearing, James Matthews asserted that the footpath in question sees minimal activity, with the security gate having received no objections from the local community or council prior to its installation. He cited concerns for his family’s safety necessitating enhanced security measures, leading to the gate’s upgrade in 2025.
Various testimonies presented at the inquiry highlighted differing perspectives on the historical usage of the footpath, with former estate manager David Hill recalling sporadic instances of individuals straying onto the private drive. Concerns were raised by some locals and ramblers regarding potential restrictions on access to the footpath, historically enjoyed by the public.
In response, a spokesperson for the Matthews family reiterated the importance of maintaining a safe environment for their children and emphasized the absence of a documented public right of way on the property over the years. The inquiry remains ongoing at Kintbury Coronation Hall in Hungerford.
