Sacked 'Diana' organist to appeal to Queen

Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every coronation since 1066

The organist at Westminster Abbey, who acted as musical director at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, has been sacked for alleged gross misconduct.

Dr Martin Neary plans to appeal to the Queen over his dismissal for alleged irregularities in the choir's accounts.

He has been the organist at the abbey for 10 years and received an award from the monarch for his contribution to Diana's funeral.

Dr Neary was honoured for his musical role at the princess's funeral

His wife Penelope, who acts as his assistant, has also been sacked.

The Chapter of Westminster, the governing body which runs the abbey, fired the couple because of a dispute over business arrangements for the choir.

The Dean of Westminster, Dr Wesley Carr, said investigations showed that Dr Neary and his wife had set up a company which handled abbey choir contracts but had not told the authorities there about it.

He said that amounted to "a breach of trust".

However, Dr Neary's solicitors issued a statement saying that he and his wife "categorically refuted" the allegations made against them.

They also complained that the abbey had not followed disciplinary procedures and that they had been forced to seek an injunction to gain time to prepare for a hearing.

No 'kangaroo court by a group of fools'

Dr Carr however denied those suggestions. He said: "The idea that this was a kangaroo court is nonsense. The decision was taken by myself and the Canons unanimously. It is not a group of fools deciding to have some fun."

Dr Neary now plans to appeal directly to the Queen in her capacity as the Visitor of the Abbey.

This is because the Abbey, being a "royal peculiar", does not come under the authority of the Church of England or the Bishop of London.

It is understood that any such appeal would be heard on the Queen's behalf by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg.

Friends shocked at treatment

Following the announcement of the Nearys' dismissal, a friend and associate said he was 'stunned' by their treatment.

Trevor Ford, Treasurer of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, said: "They have acted throughout in what they thought was the best interests of the abbey."

He added that said senior abbey officials had approved the couple's business arrangement before the new dean was appointed.