Royal Secrets to Family Business: Managing Communications

The key to many royal families’ success in maintaining their status for a long time is the “art of communication.” So what makes royal communication so special? Is it the right balance between “preserving tradition” and “adapting to the modern world”? Is it maintaining “privacy” while maintaining an appropriate level of “self-revelation”? Or is it the grandeur of royal ceremonies that goes hand in hand with “ordinary humanity” that everyone can sense?

This article takes you deep into the world of royal communication across the globe, exploring how royal communication lessons can be applied to family businesses.

How does the royal family manage communication?

I will divide the communication rules of the royal families into two parts: one Rules of communication between members of the royal family and two The rules of communication between the Royal Family and outsiders are as follows:

Key characteristics of communication “Inside” between members of the royal family

1. Establish clear hierarchy and communication channels. Royal families around the world place a high value on a clear hierarchy that determines who can communicate with whom, when and how. For example, the British royal family is highly structured, and the British court communicates through a strict chain of command. Even communications within the family are filtered through private secretaries, who act as go-betweens in conveying messages. Seniority and protocol determine the style of communication.

Younger members of the imperial family are expected to communicate with their elders with respect. Court personnel are expected to observe etiquette such as bowing, kowtowing, and using correct forms of address (e.g., “Your Majesty”, “Your Highness”, etc.) in all communications. This system creates a clear hierarchy of communication. Similarly, in Japan, communications related to the imperial family are highly formal and are usually conducted through the Imperial Household Agency (IHA). The IHA controls everything from schedules to press conferences, including communications within the family, to ensure that all communications are in line with tradition. For example, announcements regarding the emperor’s marriage or succession are only communicated through official channels.

2. Manage internal conflicts privately. The Royal Family often tries to maintain an image of unity with the public by managing conflicts in the private sphere, not revealing them to the public eye. A significant example is the unofficial motto of the British Royal Family, “Never Complain, Never Explain,” which reflects the importance of maintaining privacy and not revealing internal grievances or problems to the public, which helps maintain the image of the Royal Family and unity in the family.

3. Organize family meetings systematically. Many royals know that important decisions need to be made through systematic family discussions, especially on issues that could affect the family and the institution as a whole. For example, the relatively small Scandinavian royal families (Denmark, Sweden, Norway) that have developed more informal forms of internal communication hold regular private meetings to discuss family and official matters, similar to the board meetings of a family business.

For example, in 2553, King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden held a family meeting after allegations of past inappropriate behavior arose. King Carl Gustaf later told reporters that he had “spoken” with family members about the allegations, before publicly announcing, “We have now turned a new page.”

In Saudi Arabia, major decisions such as king succession are often discussed within a small circle of family members, or in a “loyalty council.” However, when King Salman elevated his son Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the role of crown prince in 2560, the decision was communicated quickly internally and then made public.

4. Maintain a balance of formality and accessibility. Successful royals know how to balance “strict protocol” with “approachable humanity,” especially in their interactions with family leaders and their family members. For example, while Scandinavian royals retain traditional protocol, their daily interactions are often more informal than those of ordinary families, in line with the egalitarian values ​​of these countries today.

Scandinavian royals promote open dialogue within their families. For example, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has apologized and talked things out with relatives after a family dispute, reflecting a cultural dynamic that is close to that of a typical family (although ultimately, the Queen's decision is final).

Or in Saudi Arabia, despite its absolute monarchy, there is an interesting institution: the “majlis”, which is an open-door council where the king and princes hold regular majlis meetings. Members of the public, tribal leaders or family members can come and talk directly to them. This “open” practice shows that the ruler is accessible to the public.

Key features of communication between the royal family and individuals "external"

1. Communicate unity to the public. Royals around the world try to maintain an image of unity when they are in public (despite internal conflicts). A case in point is the British royal family’s “resignation” from royal duties and senior royal status in 2563 by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Queen Elizabeth II was quick to respond. Within a day of the “emergency family meeting,” she issued a formal statement supporting the young couple’s decision and making plans for their new roles.

This prompt and transparent communication helped maintain the image of royal unity. In 2565, when Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced the stripping of royal titles of some of her grandchildren, a family conflict spilled out into the public. When her youngest son, Prince Joachim, expressed his displeasure to the press, the Queen responded by issuing a statement apologizing for the incident, but standing firm in her decision. The handling of the crisis demonstrates the royal family’s efforts to maintain an image of unity, even when there are differences of opinion among the royals.

2. Strictly control the messages. Most royal families have complex rules governing who can say what, when and how to the public, particularly on sensitive issues. For example, the British royal family has an in-house Royal Communications team made up of former journalists who help issue press releases, manage official social media accounts and coordinate coverage of royal events. Having such a professional team reflects the importance of a smart media strategy.

The British royal family also carefully coordinates the messaging of their royal engagements. Official speeches are carefully planned and edited to promote a positive image of the royal family as dedicated and compassionate people. In Thailand, royal communications are delivered through the palace in the form of official statements and updates on the royal family's activities, with an attempt to limit the interaction to a "question and answer" format. Such strict message control helps maintain the institution's positive image.

3. Use modern media carefully. Many royals have learned to adapt to modern communications technology to stay relevant to their audiences, especially younger generations, but they remain cautious about using these new media. In 2500, Queen Elizabeth II made history by broadcasting a televised Christmas Day speech that “humanised” the monarch and acknowledged her role change from “a distant ruler” to “an accessible icon”. This was a sign that the throne was increasingly adapting to the times.

Today, newer royals like Prince William and Prince Harry, and their spouses, have Twitter and Instagram accounts to share their daily lives and charity events directly with the public.

4. Establish a crisis communication plan. Royals around the world have developed sophisticated strategies to deal with crises that arise, whether they involve royal scandals, rumors or incidents that could damage the royal image. In 2548, when Prince Harry was photographed wearing a Nazi costume at a party, the British royal family’s communications team immediately issued a public apology for Prince Harry’s “poor choice.” This quick response helped to alleviate the outrage and earned praise from the public for the swiftness of the royal “apology.”

In contrast, when the crisis over the death of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who was often critical of the Saudi government, arose in 2561, the Saudi royal family chose a different strategy, starting in denial and then gradually changing its stance as more evidence came to light. This approach was seen as a public relations blunder, as it damaged credibility and could lead to long-term damage to its image.

Lessons from the Royal Family: Strategies for Managing Communications in Family Businesses

The royal family's art of communication offers important lessons that family businesses can apply. The similarities between the royal family and family businesses are more than one might think. Both institutions deal with the same challenges of maintaining unity, transferring power, managing image and dealing with crises. Here are eight lessons that family businesses can apply to their different family contexts.

1. Establish clear communication rules Just like a royal court has a clear hierarchy and communication structure, a family business should define who has the authority to communicate what and through which channels. For example, the CEO or founder is responsible for communicating key company strategies, while the company's public relations department handles general communications. This includes establishing guidelines for how employees can communicate with executives, through which channels, and how executives should communicate with family members who are not involved in the business.
2. Manage internal conflicts privately Royal families try to resolve conflicts internally before they become public. Family businesses should do the same. Family businesses may establish formal mechanisms for resolving conflicts within the family, such as holding family meetings or “family councils” to handle conflicts between members, or even engaging a “mediator” to mediate conflicts, avoiding discussing conflicts in front of employees, customers, or in public.
3. Balancing formality with accessibility Successful dynasties know how to balance maintaining their “special status” with appearing “human” and accessible to the public. Just as family businesses strive to maintain a “professional” and “family” atmosphere, family business leaders should provide opportunities for employees to be accessible, such as scheduling informal meetings with staff or visiting departments to gain first-hand feedback, as well as time to talk with family members.
4. Take advantage of multi-channel communication The royal family is constantly trying to adapt to modern media in order to keep up with the times, and family businesses should do the same. For example, using modern technology to benefit both internal and external communication, such as social media, modern websites, or applications for communication both with internal personnel (such as the family LINE group, etc.) and external organizations, taking into account appropriateness and consistency with the organization's culture and the target group to be communicated with.
5. Have a strategic communication plan during a crisis The royal family has a communication plan to deal with possible crises. Family businesses should also be prepared, such as creating a crisis response plan that covers a variety of situations, from product issues, business problems, or internal conflicts that leak to the public, to sudden changes in leadership, etc. by identifying the family's primary communicator and the appropriate communication channels for each situation.
6. Plan your succession communications carefully. The royal family places great importance on communicating the transition of power. Family businesses should also plan carefully, perhaps starting with positive communication of the succession plan in advance, gradually increasing the role and public presence of the successor before the actual transition, and focusing on building trust in the new leader and showing respect for the previous leader, which will help to ensure a smooth transition. Similar to how the royal family gradually increases the role of the crown prince in important royal affairs before the actual succession.
7. Use powerful storytelling and symbolism Royals are experts in using stories and symbols to create meaning and emotional connection. The family communicates the story of the family business – its history, values ​​and vision for the future – through easily recognizable symbols, rituals and milestones across a variety of media.
8. Balancing “Transparency” and “Privacy” The royal family is very careful about what to disclose and what to keep private. The family business is no different, and it is imperative to set clear boundaries between what can be disclosed and what should remain a family secret. Transparency in business management must be balanced with protection of family members' privacy. For example, health issues or family conflicts are not discussed in meetings or in the public media.

Even the world's oldest and most prestigious institution has had to adapt to change in order to survive. A key lesson learned from studying the royal code of communication is the delicate balance between tradition and adaptability, formality and informality, and privacy and transparency.

Family businesses can learn and apply these lessons without necessarily emulating the opulence and ceremonies of the royal family, but rather by drawing on fundamental principles such as clarity of roles and communication responsibilities, the importance of managing internal conflict appropriately, careful and gradual succession planning, and the ability to adapt to changing technologies and societal expectations.

In a business world full of competition and uncertainty, family businesses that can communicate effectively both internally and externally will have a huge advantage, not only for survival today, but for growth and sustainability for generations to come.

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Imperial Household Agency (IHA). (nd). Organization and Functions of the Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-kunaicho/soshiki.html

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