{"id":239029,"date":"2025-07-05T02:59:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T02:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/239029\/"},"modified":"2025-07-05T02:59:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T02:59:13","slug":"its-like-an-episode-of-the-vicar-of-dibley-king-charles-is-called-in-to-settle-an-unholy-row-between-a-priest-and-choirmaster-at-sandringham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/239029\/","title":{"rendered":"‘It’s like an episode of the Vicar of Dibley’: King Charles is ‘called in’ to settle an unholy row between a priest and choirmaster at Sandringham"},"content":{"rendered":"

By TARYN PEDLER<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 20:15 EDT, 4 July 2025 | Updated: 20:28 EDT, 4 July 2025 <\/p>\n

A simmering row at a Sandringham church hit such a discordant note that King Charles<\/a> himself was reportedly asked to mediate.<\/p>\n

A bitter feud between the vicar and choirmaster erupted over\u00a0the future direction of the choir at St Mary Magdalene Church \u2013 the same site where the Royal Family<\/a> traditionally attends Christmas<\/a> service.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The clash left the choir in tatters, with dwindling attendance, furious parishioners, and the Bishop of Norwich’s inbox overflowing with complaints.<\/p>\n

At the heart of the dispute is Rev Canon Paul Williams, the King’s Domestic Chaplain, who took up his post on 2023 after moving from Tewkesbury Abbey.<\/p>\n

He is said to be keen on modernising the centuries-old choir, including launching a social media presence to promote its work.<\/p>\n

But his plans appear to have struck a chord with Dr Claire Stewart, the long-serving and much-admired Director of Music, who hit back with a 28-page grievance report in response to a review of her role.<\/p>\n

Sources say the once-harmonious church has been plunged into an ‘unholy row’, with some likening the ongoing drama to an episode of The Vicar of Dibley.<\/p>\n

King Charles, who regularly worships at the 16th-century church, is understood to have been made fully aware of the dispute.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"At <\/p>\n

At the heart of the dispute is Rev Canon Paul Williams, the King’s Domestic Chaplain, who took up his post on 2023 after moving from Tewkesbury Abbey. Pictured:\u00a0King Charles III with Rev Canon Paul Williams as he attends the Sunday service at St. Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham, Norfolk, UK, on 26th November, 2023<\/p>\n

\"Dr <\/p>\n

Dr Claire Stewart has served as choirmaster for 12 years and is described by parishioners as ‘hugely adored’ and under immense pressure as the rift deepens<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

King Charles, who regularly worships at the 16th-century church, is understood to have been made fully aware of the dispute<\/p>\n

Insiders say he lingered after a recent service to speak personally with concerned members of the congregation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘It’s turning into an unholy row and it’s starting to get very bitter and damaging,’ a source told The Sun<\/a>.<\/p>\n

‘It is overshadowing what should be a harmonious parish church on the King’s royal estate and heads need to be banged together.’<\/p>\n

Dr Stewart has served as choirmaster for 12 years and is described by parishioners as ‘hugely adored’ and under immense pressure as the rift deepens.<\/p>\n

In an attempt to calm the waters, local councillor Lord Greville Howard, Baron Greville of Rising, convened a private meeting earlier this month with church leaders in a bid to broker peace.<\/p>\n

But tensions remain high, and choir numbers at Sunday services and rehearsals have noticeably thinned amid the ongoing turmoil.<\/p>\n

MailOnline has approached the Palace for comment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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