'No knowledge of music or singing technique': Explosive row erupts at King Charles III's Sandringham church as choir torn apart in bombshell 16-page review

Sky News AU

a day ago

King Charles III has become embroiled in an unholy row at his local Norfolk church, where a bitter feud between the vicar and choirmaster has spiralled into a damning 16-page report accusing the parish choir of falling well short of royal standards.
The review, commissioned by the King's chaplain Reverend Paul Williams, claimed there was "no knowledge of music or singing technique" at choir practice sessions and urged the group to "aspire to higher standards" if it wished to perform for royalty, according to The Sun.
It went further, criticising the singers' "limited repertoire" and calling for a "musical vision" led by someone with "outstanding skill set, dynamic risk-taking, motivation and aspiration".
Despite the blistering findings, the report acknowledged the 25-strong volunteer choir was "extremely dedicated" and full of enthusiasm.
The inquiry, carried out over 18 months by Tansy Castledine, director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, comes amid a deepening clash between Reverend Williams and the choir's director of music, Dr Claire Stewart, over the direction of the 500-year-old St Mary Magdalene Church, where the Royal Family traditionally gathers on Christmas Day.
The King's chaplain is understood to have ordered the audit as part of a push to "modernise" the church and even floated the idea of creating a social media account for the choir.
Dr Stewart, who has led the choir for 12 years, was said to be furious at the investigation and retaliated with her own 28-page grievance dossier against Reverend Williams in July.
The row has stirred fierce reactions in the parish, with the Bishop of Norwich reportedly bombarded with letters of complaint.
Locals, meanwhile, have rallied around Dr Stewart, who is currently on stress leave.
"Dr Stewart has been an amazing teacher and choir mistress who has supported the children through the years immensely, helping to shape them into the incredible young ladies they now are," one parent told the Eastern Daily Press on Wednesday.
"She's been such an asset, and the choir is a close-knit, happy, dedicated, loyal group."
Another parishioner was less forgiving of the review, branding it "a hatchet job filled with corporate jargon".
"This is a Norfolk village church – not Westminster Abbey," they told The Sun.
The 76-year-old monarch, who regularly worships at the church near his Sandringham estate, is said to have taken a keen interest in the dispute, even lingering after a June service to speak with parishioners.
Reverend Williams, who arrived from Tewkesbury Abbey last year, remains in post and is frequently seen alongside the King before and after services.
He was even pictured walking with His Majesty during his first public outing after announcing his cancer diagnosis in February.