Royals’ Christmas service is under threat as choir goes on strike after unholy row between vicar and director of music

The Royal Family’s traditional Christmas service at Sandringham could be a quieter affair than expected this year – because church choristers have gone on strike following a bitter row about reforming its dedicated choir.

For generations, the church of St Mary Magdalene has been inextricably linked with the Royal Family who worship at the church when they are in residence on the Norfolk estate.

Members of the Royal Family are known for warmly greeting waiting crowds outside the 16th Century church after attending services on Christmas morning.

But for months a row has been rumbling on about attempts to modernise the church’s choir following the appointment of a new vicar.

The disruption led to the departure of the church’s much-loved director of music Dr Claire Stewart on sick leave earlier this year. She apparently walked out in distress after 13 years at the helm at attempts to change the creative direction of the church.

She confirmed yesterday that she had now resigned from her post.

Several choir members had already boycotted choir rehearsals in support of Dt Stewart, putting Christmas preparations in jeopardy. A number of parents are also believed to have withdrawn their children from the choir in protest.

The dispute began when Rev Paul Williams, also domestic chaplain to the King, who was made rector of Sandringham in 2022, commissioned an outside review into modernising the 25-strong volunteer choir. 

The dispute began when Rev Paul Williams (pictured right), also domestic chaplain to the King, commissioned an outside review into modernising the 25-strong volunteer choir

Tansy Castledine, then director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, subsequently conducted an 18-month investigation and her resulting report caused uproar in the parish.

The 16-page long damning document is said to have concluded choir members had ‘no knowledge of music or singing technique’.

Ms Castledine caused further upset when she added there was ‘a wish for the choir to achieve higher standards of outcome … given the unique opportunity to sing for royalty’.

Dr Stewart, 62, said: ‘I can confirm that I recently resigned as director of music at Sandringham parish church. At this stage it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that matter.

‘However, I would like to say that I am grateful to have had the fortune of leading the music of the church at Sandringham and other local churches for many years.

‘It was a pleasure and an honour to be a part of the Sunday worship of the Royal Family, who I always found very supportive towards myself and the choir.’

It is believed that the King is aware of the tensions as is the Bishop of Norwich, whose Diocese the church falls under 

Meanwhile Rev Williams, is said to have written a note to the choir in which he acknowledged that there would be ‘mixed emotions’ over Dr Stewart’s departure, according to LBC radio.

‘Everyone’s deeply upset,” a local source told LBC. ‘I’m distressed, angry and disappointed especially as this should be such a special time of year with Advent and Christmas just around the corner.’

It is believed that the King is aware of the tensions as is the Bishop of Norwich, whose Diocese the church falls under.

A Diocese of Norwich spokeswoman told today’s Times that ‘several members of the choir have continued to sing together throughout this time, including at sung services across the churches in the Sandringham group’ and said there would be ‘a full schedule of services planned at Sandringham to celebrate the joy of Christmas’.