Princess Catherine's sister expands Bucklebury Farm with early childhood project
Pippa Middleton is set to follow in her sister Princess Catherine's footsteps with a new early childhood initiative, as she and husband James Matthews receive official approval to open a nursery at their £1.5 million Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire.
The project, which echoes the Princess of Wales's long-standing advocacy for children's early years, had initially faced resistance from local highway authorities over fears it would bring excessive traffic to the quiet village. Officials had even recommended rejecting the proposal earlier this year.
However, according to Daily Mail's Richard Eden, the plan has now been given the green light, with council members citing the “strong social benefits” of the nursery and pointing to a shortage of early years education places in the region.
The development aligns closely with Catherine's work through her Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood, where she champions the importance of nurturing children during their formative years.
Bucklebury Farm, a family-friendly attraction since 1992, is already home to a 44-acre deer park, café, children's play area, glamping pods, and a popular petting zoo — reportedly a favorite spot for Prince George during visits to his grandparents. The new nursery will add to its offerings, providing a pre-school facility for local children.
While concerns over traffic once threatened to derail the project, planning committee members ultimately voted in their favor after debate. The approval marks a significant milestone for the couple's vision of making Bucklebury Farm not just a leisure destination, but a hub for early learning and community support.
