05-07-2025
King's church ‘divided by row between vicar and choirmaster'
The King's church has allegedly been divided in an apparent row between the vicar and its choirmaster.
The apparent feud began over the Rev Canon Paul Williams's plans for the future of the choir at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, which is traditionally attended by the Royal Family on Christmas Day.
It is understood that matters escalated and resulted in Dr Claire Stewart, the 'adored' director of music, lodging a 28-page grievance in response to a report on her role, according to anonymous sources.
The Bishop of Norwich is said to have been inundated with letters from worried parishioners on the situation – which has been likened to an episode of The Vicar of Dibley – and private meetings have reportedly been held to address the matter.
The Rev, the Domestic Chaplain to the King, took up his post as rector of Sandringham in 2022 after moving from Tewkesbury Abbey in the Diocese of Gloucester.
He reportedly wants to modernise the church by introducing contemporary features such as a social media account for the choir.
It is understood that in response to a report into her role, Dr Stewart lodged a lengthy grievance dossier.
The King – who owns the nearby 20,000 acre estate in Norfolk – has reportedly been made aware of the dispute. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Recently, he stayed behind after a service and chatted to locals at the church, which dates back to the 14th century, according to The Sun, which reported the Bishop of Norwich is said to have been inundated with letters over the row.
It has also been said that the turn-out in the once 'tight-knit' choir at Sunday services and practices has dwindled.
An anonymous source told The Sun: 'It feels like an episode of The Vicar of Dibley. But it's turning into an unholy row and it's starting to get very bitter and damaging.
'It is overshadowing what should be a harmonious parish church on the King's royal estate and heads need to be banged together.'
Another source said: 'The King has been made aware that there is an issue between the vicar and choirmaster.'
Dr Stewart, who has been director of music at the church for 12 years, said she does not wish to comment on the matter.
Parishioners said she is 'hugely adored' and has been put under a lot of pressure.
The Royal Family have regularly attended services for more than a century at St Mary Magdalene when staying at Sandringham House.
Princess Eugenie was baptised there in 1990 and, more recently, Princess Charlotte of Wales in 2015.
