King Charles' church erupts in fresh row as choir 'know nothing about singing'

The choir at the church thatKing Charles attends has been slammed for having "no knowledge of music or singing technique". An 18-month investigation revealed issues at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

The investigation was carried out by the director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, Tansy Castledine, and commissioned by the King's chaplain, Rev Paul Williams, after a row with the choir's director of music, Dr Claire Stewart. Stewart had led the choir for 13 years, and Williams has been rector for three. He is keen to modernise the church, including launching a social media account. In her damning report, Castledine concluded that the choirneeded to "aspire to higher standards", given that it regularly performs for the Royal family. She also criticised the lack of musical education offered to choristers, saying they had "little or no knowledge of music or singing technique." Castledine added that it was "surprising" the choir had a "limited repertoire," much to the choristers' reported disappointment. Despite this, she said the 25-strong choir was enthusiastic and "extremely dedicated."

She suggested they establish a "musical vision" with leadership based on "outstanding skill set, dynamic risk-taking, motivation and aspiration", the Sun reports.

Castledine also recommended shifting away from a "status quo and/or a 'making do' approach" to one that is "more proactive, strategic and positively-led".

One parishioner described the row as "like something out of the Vicar of Dibley", the Richard Curtis sitcom starring Dawn French as a female vicar who moved to a traditional countryside village.

But not all agree with the report. Locals have come out in support of Stewart, who has been on sick leave with stress since the investigation began.

One parent told the Eastern Daily Press: "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. She's been such an asset, and the choir is a close-knit, happy, dedicated, loyal group."

Another said: "The report is a hatchet job filled with corporate jargon. This is a Norfolk village church - not Westminster Abbey."

One villager added: "It's turning into an unholy row and it's starting to get very bitter and damaging. It is overshadowing what should be a harmonious parish church on the King's royal estate and heads need to be banged together."

The Diocese of Norwich said: "We are aware that a report into the music in the Sandringham Group of Churches has been received and is being considered by the Sandringham parochial church council."

The King is believed to have been made aware of the dispute. Local councillor Lord Greville Howard, Baron Greville of Rising, has held a meeting with church leaders in an attempt to ease tensions.