Pippa Middleton's father-in-law quits as head of charity he set up in his son's memory as he continues to be investigated for assaulting a minor
- David Matthews started the Michael Matthews Foundation (MMF) in honour of his son, 22, who died climbing Everest in 1999
- According to its latest accounts, Mr Matthews, 75, has stepped down as trustee
- He is being investigated by French police for raping a minor in the 1990s
- He strenuously denies the claim
David Matthews, 75, has stepped down from the charity he set up in his late son's memory
Pippa Middleton's millionaire father-in-law has resigned from a charity he set up as investigations continue into claims that he raped a minor.
David Matthews started the Michael Matthews Foundation (MMF) in honour of his 22-year-old son, who died while climbing Mount Everest in 1999.
But according to the charity's latest financial accounts, Mr Matthews, 75, has stepped down as a trustee. He is being investigated by French police over allegations that he raped a female minor in the 1990s.
He strenuously denies the claims but it is possible the decision to remove his name was taken to distance himself from the organisation to avoid putting off would-be donors.
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Under French law it can take up to three years before the authorities decide to bring charges or dismiss a case.
Mr Matthews launched the MMF with other family members and it has educated thousands of children from remote areas of the world.
The businessman owns Eden Rock, a luxury resort on St Barts. Mr Matthews moved to the Caribbean island in 1995 with his artist wife Jane, 71.
Mr Matthews's eldest son James is married to Pippa Middleton while his younger son Spencer is known for his role in Made in Chelsea
One of their sons, James, 43, a hedge fund manager, is married to Pippa Middleton, 35, the younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge. They celebrated the birth of their first child, Arthur, last year.
James's younger brother, Spencer, 30, is most famous for his role in the reality television show Made In Chelsea.
Last night, a spokesman for David Matthews declined to comment.
