Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's shaky reputation with their California neighbors is common knowledge by now. Montecito insiders often murmur that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex don't make enough of an effort to be a part of their community. But they're not the only British royals with a local rep for snobbery; Pippa Middleton's diva behavior has had people rolling their eyes on numerous occasions. The Princess of Wales's younger sister was something of a bridezilla at her wedding to James Matthews,
for instance. She insisted that guests change their outfits before the reception, and seated couples apart from each other at the dinner. Now that she and Matthews are well established in their country estate, she's being accused yet again of copping an attitude.
According to the Daily Mail, the Matthews's West Berkshire property was previously owned by the late millionaire retailer Sir Terence Conran, who permitted local residents to walk in an area running outside the driveway to the main building. Photos show the unpaved lane runs alongside a picturesque creek. But once Middleton and her husband bought the £15 million estate, they fenced off the path and posted signs warning off unauthorized users. Residents wonder why they've been barred from an area to which they had access for decades, explaining they've never caused any trouble.
Some neighbors feel Middleton and Matthews are deliberately cutting themselves off from the rest of the village. "With all the notices stuck up, it feels like 'us' and 'them,'" one told the outlet. Another suggested the couple might be playing the royalty card: "It feels they are depriving the village of an amenity," they said. "People might get the impression they are throwing their weight around."
Read more: Tragic Details About Kate Middleton's Father Michael Middleton
Will Pippa Have To Let People Use Her Property?
As the future king and queen consort of England, William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, try to be the most relatable royals in the family. Knowing the monarchy's rep for being obsolete and unapproachable, they fight that perception by sharing personal photos, meeting with the public, and generally putting on their most genial face. Pippa Middleton has no such obligation. Being the sister to a future queen has its perks, such as getting plum seats at Wimbledon and Westminster Abbey Christmas concerts. But with no actual responsibilities or standing within the palace, Middleton is free to live in the style that suits her best. In this sense, Middleton has a lot in common with Meghan Markle; as a nonworking royal, the duchess can pursue her interests and guard her privacy, even if others disapprove.
Keeping locals off the footpath on her property is one example of Middleton's personal choices. If the Waleses were ever to bar access to Buckingham Palace, there would be outraged cries of "We have the right to see it!" But as private citizens, Middleton and James Matthews have a right to limit who uses their property. Well...maybe. According to the British law firm Shakespeare Martineau, the pathway on the estate may be considered a "public right of way" because it was used for more than 20 years with no objection from the previous owner. The West Berkshire Council will ultimately decide on the matter, and they may yet order Middleton and Matthews to ditch the "No Trespassing" signs and be a little more neighborly.
Read the original article on The List.
