Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing charged over failure to bury wife Eva

Hans Kristian Rausing with his wife Eva (Rex Features)

The Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing, whose wife Eva may have lain dead at their London mansion for four weeks before police found her body, was charged yesterday with preventing her lawful and decent burial.

Mr Rausing, 49, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, was still being treated in a secure hospital yesterday. Police have yet to question him because of the nature of his mental state but he is due before West London magistrates today.

The Metropolitan Police made no comment regarding the continuing status of the murder investigation. But with advanced toxicology tests yet to determine how Mrs Rausing died, following a post mortem examination that was inconclusive due to the time that had elapsed since her death, it is understood he remains under suspicion.

Mrs Rausing, 48, was found dead on 9 July after police stopped her husband for driving erratically, believing he may have been under the influence of drugs. After finding substances in his car, they searched the couple's home in Cadogan Place, Belgravia, and discovered her body.

With drugs suspected to have at least played a part in her demise – both have a long public history of narcotics problems – Mrs Rausing's family had earlier yesterday released a statement paying tribute to the couple and their struggle.

"We believe her tragic death highlights the scourge of drugs and that it does not matter how rich, intelligent or beautiful you are, you can still be impacted and overcome by this terrible disease," said her father, Tom Kemeny.

Offering strong support for Mr Rausing, he said the couple "bravely battled their demons and supported each other and Eva will be a devastating loss to our beloved 'son' Hans Kristian, whom we love unconditionally with all our hearts."