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‘Unholy' row breaks out between Charles' vicar and choirmaster with King asked to broker peace deal
The bitter fallout has been likened to an episode of 'The Vicar of Dibley'
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THE King has been asked to mediate a row at his local church between the vicar and choirmaster.
The bitter argument is said to be over the future of the choir at the Sandringham landmark.
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King Charles has been asked to intervene in a row at a church in Sandringham
Credit: Getty
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The row is said to be over the future of the choir at the parish church of St Mary Magdalene
Credit: Alan Keith Beastall
Rev Canon Paul Williams, the Domestic Chaplain to the King, is said to want to modernise — including getting a social media account for the choir at St Mary Magdalene Church.
But director of music Dr Claire Stewart is said to have responded to a report into her role with a 28-page grievance dossier.
King Charles, who worships at the church near his Norfolk estate, has been made aware of the row.
Several weeks ago, he made a point of staying behind after a service to chat to parishioners.
The Bishop of Norwich is said to have been inundated with letters over the simmering row.
This month, local councillor Lord Greville Howard, Baron Greville of Rising, held a meeting with church leaders in a bid to sort out the mess.
Meanwhile, numbers in the 'tight knit' choir at Sunday services and practices have dwindled.
A source said yesterday: 'It feels like an episode of 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.'
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Another source said: 'The King has been made aware that there is an issue between the vicar and choirmaster.'
Dr Stewart has been director of music at the church for 12 years.
Parishioners say she is 'hugely adored' and has been put under a lot of pressure.
Rev Williams joined in 2023 after moving from Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucs.
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Rev Canon Paul Williams, the Domestic Chaplain to the King, is said to want to modernise the church's choir
Credit: Times Media Ltd
