Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of the Princess of Wales, was spotted participating in the Kintbury 5 charity run held on 15 May 2026. The event, a five-mile race organised by the Parent-Teacher Association of Kintbury St Mary’s Primary School, aims to raise funds for the educational resources of the local school, which serves the community near Hungerford.
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Middleton’s appearance at the charity run came during a tense period for her and her husband, James Matthews. The couple has faced criticism from local residents who allege that they have restricted public access to a popular footpath on their estate. This comes just as a six-day Planning Inspectorate hearing is set to take place, examining the validity of these public access concerns.
Residents expressed their discontent after it was reported that the couple’s private estate was blocking a path frequently used by the community. Previously owned by Sir Terence Conran, a respected figure in the locality who passed away in 2020, the footpath had been open for public use under his ownership. Many from the village have remarked on the loss of access, recalling Conran’s amicable relationship with locals.
One villager commented, “I like to walk, and I don’t see why I can’t walk there. I have been walking along there for 50 years. When Sir Terence had it, he had no objections.” This sentiment was echoed by another local, who lamented, “It feels they are depriving the village of an amenity,” underscoring the emotional connection the community has with the landscape.
The controversy surrounding the footpath began to escalate in March 2024 when Matthews’ estate manager submitted a Highway Declaration Notice to West Berkshire Council, which some locals interpreted as an attempt to assert exclusive control over the pathway. In response, Eugene Futcher, chair of the West Berkshire Ramblers, initiated a counter application to have the route recognised as a public right of way, further complicating the matter.
As the Planning Inspectorate hearing unfolds, it will clarify whether the contested footpath qualifies as a public right of way under legal scrutiny. Middleton’s recent engagement in a community event may be seen as an effort to reconnect with the village amid this growing dispute, although the underlying tensions seem far from resolved.
Matthews attended the initial three days of the Planning Inspectorate hearing solo, highlighting the couple’s divided focus during this challenging time. Observers speculate that the outcome of the hearing could significantly impact not only their private estate but also their relationship with the local community.
In the meantime, residents await the verdict with anticipation. The community’s desire for continued access to natural pathways mirrors a broader wish for a balance between private rights and public enjoyment of the countryside, raising questions about land use and community cohesion. As the hearing progresses, it remains to be seen whether Pippa Middleton’s involvement in local activities can help mend the rift that currently exists between her family and the villagers.