The Royal Family's cherished Christmas Day service at Sandringham is facing significant disruption this year, as a bitter dispute over the modernisation of the church choir has led to choristers going on strike.
A Traditional Gathering Under Threat
For generations, the church of St Mary Magdalene has been intrinsically linked with the Royal Family, who worship at the 16th Century church when in residence at their Norfolk estate. The Christmas morning service is a highlight of the royal calendar, known for the warm interactions between family members and the waiting crowds outside.
This year, however, the festive occasion could be a much quieter affair. The dispute began when Rev Paul Williams, who became rector of Sandringham in 2022 and also serves as domestic chaplain to the King, commissioned an external review into modernising the church's 25-strong volunteer choir.
The Unravelling of a Choir
Tansy Castledine, then director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, conducted an 18-month investigation. Her resulting 16-page report caused uproar within the parish, reportedly concluding that choir members had 'no knowledge of music or singing technique'. She further inflamed tensions by stating there was 'a wish for the choir to achieve higher standards of outcome ... given the unique opportunity to sing for royalty'.
The fallout was severe. The church's much-loved director of music, Dr Claire Stewart, who had led the music for 13 years, went on sick leave earlier this year. She apparently walked out in distress over attempts to change the creative direction. Dr Stewart, 62, recently confirmed her resignation from the post.
In a statement, she 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."
Christmas Preparations in Jeopardy
In a show of support for Dr Stewart, several choir members boycotted rehearsals, putting the Christmas service preparations in serious jeopardy. A number of parents are also believed to have withdrawn their children from the choir in protest.
A local source conveyed the community's distress to LBC radio, stating, "Everyone’s deeply upset. 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." Rev Williams is said to have acknowledged the "mixed emotions" surrounding Dr Stewart's departure in a note to the choir.
It is believed that both King Charles and the Bishop of Norwich, whose diocese encompasses the church, are aware of the ongoing tensions. Despite the dispute, a Diocese of Norwich spokeswoman stated that "several members of the choir have continued to sing together" and confirmed there would be "a full schedule of services planned at Sandringham to celebrate the joy of Christmas".
