Rumors have been swirling for months, but now things are coming to a head: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ marriage is on the brink of collapse, and it’s not as smooth as many thought.

According to multiple sources close to the royal family, the divorce is getting extremely tense, even “ugly” in the literal sense, with disputes revolving around assets, child custody and the family’s reputation.

✦ FROM FAIRYTALE TO REAL-LIFE NIGHTMARE

Pippa Middleton – the younger sister of Princess Kate – once made the world admire her with her lavish wedding to James Matthews in 2017. A perfect family, three beautiful children, luxurious holidays and a “noble” image. But now everything is falling apart piece by piece.

A source close to the couple said:

“Pippa tried to save face until the end, but James became increasingly cold and controlling. They no longer saw eye to eye on parenting and finances.”

✦ THE BATTLE OVER MONEY AND HONOR

James Matthews is a multimillionaire financier, the son of a wealthy hotel family. Pippa, meanwhile, is no slouch, with her own fortune and direct links to the British Royal Family.

The problem? They had no prenuptial agreement.

Now, Pippa is trying to keep ownership of the multimillion-pound mansion in Berkshire where they live with their children. Meanwhile, James is said to have hired a team of “cold-blooded” lawyers, determined not to lose a penny.

“James thinks he’s the one who brings home the money, while Pippa is famous for being Middleton. They’re fighting over who’s ‘building’ this life,” a source shared sarcastically.

✦ WHERE DO KATE AND WILLIAM STAND?

The big question is: How will Kate and Prince William react to the family rift?

Some say Kate is trying to mediate, but many reports claim she’s keeping her distance to protect the royal family’s image and avoid being dragged into this dramatic war.

✦ IT’S JUST BEGINNING

The two have yet to publicly announce their divorce, but Pippa’s move to “freeze” their joint accounts and move out has made everyone understand that this is no longer a rumor.

Media experts say:

“Pippa is trying to manage the crisis. But if James plays the ‘expose’ card in court, the Middletons’ reputation could be seriously damaged.”

This divorce is no longer just a story between two people — it is becoming a major crack in the perfect picture of British high society.