Pippa Middleton’s father-in-law David Matthews denies rape allegations
PIPPA Middleton’s father-in-law has denied raping a minor, calling the allegations "untrue and scandalous".
Two incidents are alleged to have taken place on the exclusive French island of St Barts, where multi-millionaire David Matthews, 74, owns a £5,000-a-night hotel.
He has lived with wife Jane on the Caribbean retreat for more than 20 years, and strenuously denies the allegations.
He was seized by cops from France’s child protection unit at Paris Orly Airport on Tuesday over two historic rape allegations.
After 48 hours in custody Mr Matthews — dad to Pippa’s husband James, 42, and I’m A Celebrity star Spencer, 29 — then appeared at the city’s Palais de Justice on Thursday and was later charged with the rape of minor.
The authorities now have six months to decide if he will be brought to trial. Mr Matthews was released on bail, with a number of conditions which were not disclosed by French authorities.
“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 was placed under judicial supervision. The investigation alleges that the crimes were committed in 1998 and 1999.
“The investigations will now continue as a judicial investigation and will be led by an investigating judge.”
The swoop came as Mr Matthews arrived in Paris on his way to the South of France.
It follows a police probe which began last September.
Matthews' hotel is celeb fave
CELEBS including Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce, Brad Pitt and Elton John have stayed at David Matthews’ exclusive Eden Rock hotel in St Barts.
The retreat was once a haven for 1930s stars such as Greta Garbo and for business magnate Howard Hughes.
But it had become run-down before Mr Matthews purchased it in 1995.
He totally revamped the oceanside property and built a spectacular resort, whose slick website promises “extraordinary levels of luxury”.
The priciest suite costs £25,000 a night and guests can use complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment. They can also book sessions in the private recording studio.
- By GREG WILFORD
A Paris judicial official said: “I confirm that David M was placed in police custody on March 27 at the Brigade for the Protection of Minors.
One of the alleged offences is said to have taken place in 1998 on St Barts. The other alleged attack is said to have taken place in Paris the following year. Mr Matthews, a self-made millionaire, owns the Eden Rock hotel on St Barts. Socialite Pippa, 34, and hedge fund manager hubby James have been regular visitors.
It has featured in numerous magazine and newspaper travel sections and has attracted celebrity guests including Tom Hanks, Sir Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Reality star Spencer has also been pictured holidaying there with pals and former girlfriends.
The resort was ravaged by Hurricane Irma, which hit the Caribbean last September and is now being renovated.
Mr Matthews and wife Jane, 70, moved to St Barts in 1995 after buying Eden Rock from adventurer Rémy de Haenen.
The cliff-top resort, which had just 34 guest rooms with access to pristine beaches and luxury gardens, was voted the best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveller readers in 2016.
James Matthews and Pippa first met on St Barts in 2006 before they started dating regularly in 2014. Eden Rock then quickly became one of the Middleton family’s favourite holiday spots, with Pippa and James spotted relaxing there.
Pippa’s sister Kate Middleton has also stayed at the hotel.
Mr Matthews was born near Rotherham and started work as a mechanic before taking up motor racing in his early 20s.
He was forced to retire due to injuries in 1973 and transformed a used-car firm into a multi-million business.
The firm was later taken over and allowed Mr Matthews, second wife Jane, a Zimbabwean-born artist, and their sons a comfortable upbringing.
The family moved to Caunton Manor in Lincolnshire, while the boys were privately educated.
James is chief exec of Eden Rock Capital, a finance firm named after his father’s hotel.
At his wedding to Pippa last year his parents mixed freely with royalty as the Duchess of Cambridge was maid of honour.
£40m rise from rags to riches
DAVID Matthews overcame humble beginnings to build a £40million business empire.
The tycoon, 75, was born in Rotherham, South Yorks, but rose to become Laird of Glen Affric.
He began as an apprentice mechanic for his coal miner dad and took up motor-racing, his passion, in his 20s.
He had some success but a crash made him quit in 1973.
He build up a second-hand car dealership, then bought luxury properties such as the Eden Rock resort on St Barts and 10,000-acre Glen Affric estate in Scotland.
He wed Zimbabwean Jane Parker and had sons James, Michael and Spencer. In 1999, Michael, 22, died climbing Everest.
The lad’s parents set up the Michael Matthews Foundation to run African and Asian educational projects.
Pippa Middleton scaled Alps peak the Matterhorn in 2016 to raise cash for it.