Decision expected next month in Pippa Middleton and James Matthews estate dispute

Mr Matthews, who is married to the Princess of Wales's sister, appeared before the inquiry to argue that his family's prominent public standing necessitates enhanced security measures at their home.

The businessman, whose brother Spencer found fame as a regular cast member on Made in Chelsea, married Pippa Middleton in May 2017. The couple now reside at the 32-room estate with their three young children.

During his testimony, Mr Matthews explained that nothing during the conveyancing process when he acquired the property in August 2022 indicated any public usage of the driveway.

"There are implications for my family, due to their high public profile, which means there is a need for a higher level of security than would otherwise be the case if the circumstances were different," he told the inquiry.

Mr Matthews arranged for an electric security gate to be erected on the drive before the family moved in, with the barrier installed in September 2022.

"Therefore to improve security for my family, before we moved in, I arranged for an electric security gate to be erected on the drive," he stated.

Local walkers contend the gate obstructed a route they had traversed for generations. The West Berkshire Ramblers subsequently submitted an application in January 2023 seeking formal recognition of the pathway through a definitive map modification order.

Following an investigation, West Berkshire District Council determined the route was "reasonably alleged to exist as a public right of way" based on available evidence, relevant legislation and established case law.

Mr Matthews contested the council's determination, noting that neither the local parish council nor neighbouring residents had raised objections to the gate's installation.

He testified that over the past three-and-a-half years, he had observed "only a handful of people, on maybe two or three occasions, walking along the drive" and had informed each of them the route was private, with all agreeing.

The gate remains "kept shut" except when visitors arrive, and was reinforced in 2025 owing to ongoing security requirements.

A family spokesman maintained Mr Matthews had every right to "create a safe environment on his private property, for his young children playing outside, away from foreseeable risks through uncontrolled trespassers and traffic".

The spokesman added that records showed no footpath or public right of way had ever existed on the land in question, with signage indicating private property had been present for decades.

David Hill, who managed the Barton Court estate from 2016 until 2022, gave evidence that he rarely encountered people on the drive. He estimated meeting perhaps one individual every two to three months, never groups, and would direct them away after explaining it was private land.

Local resident Trevor Coles submitted written testimony stating that previous owners had always respected the pathway, with obstructions appearing only under the current proprietors.

"Historically, I have absolutely no recall of any hindrance being put in the way of locals and ramblers," Coles wrote.

Another resident, Neal James Pike, expressed bewilderment at the attempt to close Mill Lane, arguing it would disrupt free movement for those appreciating Kintbury and its surrounding countryside.

West Berkshire District Council explained the application rested on the legal principle that a public footpath may be established if enjoyed by the public continuously for 20 years without force, secrecy or permission, or through historical dedication by a landowner.

The inquiry continues, with a final determination anticipated in June.