James Matthews, the husband of Pippa Middleton and brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales, has opposed an application to designate part of the driveway of his family home as a public footpath. During a planning inquiry, Matthews argued that the change would compromise security at the property, a Grade II-listed mansion in Berkshire.
The dispute centers on a section of the drive leading to the Matthews family home, which local residents have sought to have recognized as a public right of way. Matthews told the inquiry that the home requires a higher level of security due to its connection to the royal family, and that a public footpath would increase the risk of trespassing and other security breaches.
The inquiry, which began on May 28, 2026, is being conducted by a government-appointed inspector. Matthews presented evidence that the driveway has historically been private, and that designating it as a public footpath would not only affect security but also the privacy of the family. The outcome of the inquiry is expected in the coming weeks.
