An extraordinary row has rocked the Norfolk church where the King worships, which locals say is causing huge divisions among the pews.

It centres on the choir that sings at services at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, and a spectacular falling out between musical director Dr Claire Stewart and rector Rev Canon Paul Williams.

The 25-strong choral group has been led by Dr Stewart for 13 years.

However, Rev Williams - who has been rector of Sandringham for three years and is also domestic chaplain to the King - has been keen to modernise the choir and bring in changes, including introducing a social media account.

He commissioned a report by high-ranking church official Tansy Castledine, director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, to come up with ways to improve the choir.

After two years of consultation, her 16-page report has finally been published - and appears to have brought further disharmony to the parish.

The King chats to Rev Canon Paul Williams as the Royal Family leaves last year's Christmas Day service at Sandringham (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)

It criticises the choir for its "limited repertoire" and "small selection of anthems" and also highlights what it calls the "cancel choir culture" of scrapping practices when the choir leader is not available.

The report is also damning about the level of musical education given to choristers,........

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