Royals’ Christmas Day service under threat as choristers walk out in ‘modernisation’ row
The row threatens to plunge the Royals' Christmas at Sandringham into chaos
Members of a much-loved choir at the King’s church have gone on strike after the resignation of its choirmaster, LBC has learned.
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Choristers at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham have boycotted rehearsals following the departure of the church’s popular director of music, Dr Claire Stewart.
The walkout casts doubt over whether the choir, who are within “touching distance” of the Royal Family at Christmas Mass, will be able to perform at this year’s service.
A schism emerged earlier this year between Dr Stewart and Rev Paul Williams, the Domestic Chaplain to the King, over the future direction of the choir.
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The clash centred on Rev Williams’s desire to modernise the choir.
His proposals - including the creation of a social media account for their performances - were accompanied by a contentious report into the choir which stated members had “no knowledge of music or singing technique.”
Dr Stewart penned a 28-page note outlining her grievances in response.
Tensions between them reached such a fever-pitch that it is believed King Charles was asked to intervene in the dispute, though Buckingham Palace did not respond to LBC’s request for comment on this matter.
After spending the last few months on sick leave, LBC can reveal Dr Stewart has now officially left her position.
In a letter addressed to members of the choir and seen by LBC, Rev Williams acknowledged “the mixed emotions” her departure was likely to cause.
The news has sparked a backlash from the local community, many of whom fear that the former director of music was forced out of her role, and members of the choir have been voting with their feet.
Recent rehearsals have been poorly attended. In one instance, only three children turned up, leading to the session being abandoned.
“Everyone’s deeply upset,” a 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.
“The choir performs within touching distance of the Royals — they’re a big part of the Christmas service they so enjoy.
“After the services, the late Prince Philip would also pop his head around the door and thank the kids. It was really special for them all.”
In a bid to ensure the choir can perform on Christmas Day, Rev Williams’s letter also issues an ultimatum to parents and guardians, stating that they must decide whether to keep their child in the choir by the end of Friday 7th November.
The Bishop of Norwich, who oversees the church’s diocese, is also understood to have received numerous letters from aggrieved parents and locals.
The row between Dr Stewart and Rev Williams has dogged the church throughout the last twelve months.
Speaking to The Sun earlier this year, one parishioner described the situation as “like an episode of The Vicar of Dibley,” with the dispute becoming “very bitter and damaging.”
Based in the Sandringham Estate, The Royal Family have attended services at St Mary Magdalene church for over a century.
As well as frequently attending Christmas services, the church has been the scene for the baptisms of Princesses Charlotte and Eugenie.
Last week, it was confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor would move to the 20,000-acre estate.
LBC approached Rev Williams and the Bishop of Norwich for comment.