The father-in-law of Pippa Middleton — the 34-year-old sister of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, who is married to Prince William — has been charged in France with the rape of a minor, AFP news agency reported on Friday.
David Matthews, 73, is alleged to have carried out the attack between 1998 and 1999, while on holiday in France.
An alleged witnessed is said to have reported him to the police and Matthews reported to judges in the French capital on Tuesday.
The self-made multi-millionaire, who is father to James Matthews (who wed Pippa last year), was first arrested on arrival at Paris Orly airport. He has since been released on bail, subject to undisclosed conditions.
“I confirm that David M was placed in police custody on 27 March at the Brigade for the Protection of Minors Protection,” a French judicial official said, according to The Sun. “Following his arrest, the Paris public prosecutor’s office opened a judicial investigation, overlooked by an examining magistrate, who charged him with the rape of a minor.”
He strenuously denies any wrongdoing.
David Matthews arrives ahead of son James’ wedding to Pippa Middleton.
Pippa married James Matthews in May last year.
The couple said “I do” at St Marks’s Church in Englefield in front of 150 guests, including Prince William, Duchess Catherine and Prince Harry.
She wore a gown by Giles Deacon for the big day, featuring a high-neck, capped sleeves, a heart-shaped back and a full skirt.
Pippa and James married in May last year.
The 34-year-old wore a gown by Giles Deacon for the big day.
Pippa and James, whose brother is Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, began dating in January last year following her break-up from Nico Jackson.
The longtime friends, who dated for a short period in 2012, were first linked after being pictured together on holidays in St. Barts.
WATCH: Pippa is the 34-year-old sister of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Post continues…
Her engagement to James was confirmed in June, 2016.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Pippa said at the time.
Confirming the happy news, Pippa and James released a statement to the Press Association saying, “Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr. James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17th July and plan to marry next year.”
A Kensington Palace spokesperson for Duchess Catherine and Prince William echoed the sentiment: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are absolutely delighted with the news.”
More as we get it.
