The father-in-law of Pippa Middleton is being investigated by French police over allegations he raped a female minor.

David Matthews, the father of James Matthews who married the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister last summer, was questioned by police on Tuesday over an alleged attack and placed under formal investigation by a magistrate.

The alleged rape is said to have happened in 1998-9, and was reported to police in 2017. Mr Matthews denies the "untrue and scandalous accusation".

Under French law, being put under formal investigation means there is “serious or consistent evidence” that points to probable involvement in a crime. It is a step toward a trial but investigations can be dropped without proceeding to court.

After questioning, Mr Matthews was freed but remains under judicial control, meaning prosecutors have attached conditions to his release or imposed certain limits on who he can meet or where he can go. A judicial source confirmed to the Telegraph there were no restrictions to "his freedom of movement”, meaning he does not have to remain in France.

The allegations are being investigated by the Minor Protection Brigade. Kensington Palace, which represents the Duchess of Cambridge, did not comment.