A dispute at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, a place of worship regularly attended by King Charles, has escalated to the point where the monarch himself was reportedly asked to intervene. The conflict centers around a disagreement between Rev. Paul Williams, the church’s rector, and Dr. Claire Stewart, the director of music, and has divided the congregation, drawing comparisons to a classic British sitcom.
The situation, first reported in July 2025, revolves around Rev. Williams’s vision for the future of the choir. According to sources, his plans for modernization, including the introduction of a social media presence, clashed with Dr. Stewart’s approach. The disagreement reportedly culminated in Dr. Stewart submitting a 28-page grievance in response to a report concerning her role, as detailed in reports from Clerical Whispers and The Telegraph.
The fallout has been likened to an episode of “The Vicar of Dibley,” a popular British comedy series known for its quirky portrayal of village life and church politics. One anonymous source told The Sun, “It feels like an episode of The Vicar of Dibley. But it’s turning into an unholy row and it’s starting to get very bitter and damaging.” The source added that the dispute is “overshadowing what should be a harmonious parish church on the King’s royal estate and heads need to be banged together.”
The Bishop of Norwich has reportedly received numerous letters from concerned parishioners, and private meetings have been held in an attempt to address the issue. Rev. Williams took up his position as rector in 2022, having previously served at Tewkesbury Abbey. Dr. Stewart has been the director of music at St. Mary Magdalene for twelve years and is described as “hugely adored” by members of the congregation.
The situation has reportedly impacted choir attendance, with a decline in numbers at both Sunday services and rehearsals. The King, who owns the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate, is said to be aware of the dispute, though Buckingham Palace has declined to comment. The Daily Mail reported that King Charles was “called in” to mediate the conflict.
As of , the dispute has taken a legal turn. According to reports, a lawsuit has been filed against the production company behind a film inspired by the events, though the details of the claim remain undisclosed. The plaintiff is reportedly seeking £10 million in damages and requesting that the film not be broadcast by the BBC. Juraj Loj, the director of the film, expressed regret that the situation has escalated to legal action, emphasizing his intention to create a work that stands in solidarity with all victims.
Loj stated, as reported by Novinky.cz, that he attempted to resolve the matter amicably but that further demands made during negotiations were unacceptable. He specifically cited a request to prevent the film from being aired on Czech Television as a non-negotiable point, as it would undermine the film’s purpose.
Loj also acknowledged the potential for retraumatization and expressed his willingness to defend the film, even acknowledging potential errors made during its production. He believes the debate surrounding the film is necessary and important, despite its painful nature. He further noted the positive reception the film has received from younger audiences, suggesting it resonates with contemporary discussions about the issue.
The director also addressed the broader question of artistic license when depicting real-life events, particularly those involving trauma. He emphasized the need for filmmakers to balance freedom of expression with a commitment to supporting victims. He expressed regret over a miscommunication with one of the victims, which he described as a deeply unfortunate situation.
Loj expressed frustration with the lack of direct dialogue, noting that individuals who previously engaged with him have now launched petitions against the film on social media. He lamented the prevalence of polarized online discourse and the absence of constructive conversation. Despite the legal challenges and public criticism, Loj remains committed to defending his work and fostering a meaningful discussion about the issues it raises.
