Sophia Michaels
A while after their wedding, Pippa Middleton and her spouse, James Matthews, acquired a vast estate in West Berkshire for over £15 million (around $19 million). However, their neighbors have expressed dissatisfaction with their ownership. Many locals believe they should still have access to certain areas of the estate.
Middleton’s reputation has taken a hit due to their choice to keep their property exclusive. Local residents are particularly irritated by the fact that their once-accessible driveway is now off-limits for walks. One frustrated local shared with the Daily Mail, “They seem overly protective of their land. We are peaceful villagers, and there is no vandalism here. Their signs make it feel like there’s a divide.” Another neighbor fondly remembered the previous owner, Sir Terence, and criticized Middleton and Matthews for allegedly exerting their influence. It’s unclear whether this critique aimed at Middleton’s royal connections or her overall lavish lifestyle.
Contrarily, some locals defended Middleton and Matthews, arguing that their neighbors are acting entitled. “They could walk it before, but now it belongs to someone else. [Middleton and Matthews] are just asserting their rights,” they noted. Given the substantial investment in their property, it’s understandable they seek privacy!
Pippa has expressed concerns about her privacy in previous interviews
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ significant investment in their home is noteworthy, especially considering Pippa’s previous comments on the significance of privacy in her life. In a 2014 interview with “Today”, Pippa reflected on the overwhelming attention she received after wearing a dress to her sister Kate Middleton’s wedding. “At times I feel pursued by paparazzi. It’s tough not being completely private,” she admitted.
Even though Pippa moved away from urban life to West Berkshire, her concerns regarding privacy remained paramount. In 2021, the now Prince and Princess of Wales encountered a similar issue when a photographer followed them and their children during a family bike ride, ignoring William’s objections while claiming it was a public space.
This experience might explain why Pippa and Matthews have chosen to maintain a private driveway, aiming to prevent such invasions in the future.
