A fallout has emerged in the King's own church at Sandringham between the vicar and its choirmaster, it is alleged.
Rev Paul Williams at St Mary Magdalene is said to be a loggerheads with its 'adored' director of music, Dr Claire Stewart, over plans to reform the choir.
The Royal family traditionally attend the church service for a full ceremony on Christmas Day. Dr Stewart has reportedly lodged a 28-page grievance in response to a report on her role.
Concerned parishioners are said to have escalated the matter to the Bishop of Norwich, and private meetings have been arranged to discuss the matter - which sources have likened to sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.
Rev Williams presided over Tewkesbury Abbey in the Diocese of Gloucester before taking up his post as rector of Sandringham in 2022, near the 20,000 acre Royal estate in Norfolk.
Now armed with the title of Domestic Chaplain to the King, he is said to have promoted ideas to modernise the church - such as a social media account for the choir.
In turn, the congregation is said to have dwindled for Sunday services and choir practice.
Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment on the matter, although the King is said to be aware of the dispute.
An 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.
“It is overshadowing what should be a harmonious parish church on the King’s royal estate and heads need to be banged together.”
Another insider added: “The King has been made aware that there is an issue between the vicar and choirmaster.”
Dr Stewart, who has been in post for 12 years, insisted she would not comment on the matter.
Parishioners have told media that she is under a lot of pressure in her role at the church - which has been attended by the Royal family for over 100 years.
Princess Charlotte was baptised at the church in 2015, as was her father's cousin Princess Eugenie in 1990.
