This week I’ve been reading Craig Brown’s ‘A Voyage Around the Queen,’ — a witty, insightful take on the late Queen, her family, and the times she lived through. It reminded me that the British Royal Family is more than a national soap opera. It’s also a living metaphor for how generational change shapes not only families, but workplaces and organisations too.
Spanning five generations — from Queen Elizabeth II to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — the monarchy shows us how each era produces its own values, expectations, and behaviours. Like any family business, the Royals are a multi-generational enterprise. You could almost think of them as an SME with a very long history: Silent Generation founders, Boomer leaders, pragmatic Gen Xers, Millennial modernisers, Gen Z disruptors, and Alpha digital natives.
Silent Generation – Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip
“Don’t complain, don’t explain.” – Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip
The Silent Generation grew up in the shadow of war. For the late Queen and Prince Philip, duty, loyalty, and discretion were non-negotiable. Their stoicism defined an era. They were the guardians of tradition — never oversharing, always projecting stability.
Baby Boomers – King Charles & Princess Anne
“To leave things a little better.” – King Charles & Princess Anne
Charles and Anne were shaped by post-war optimism and prosperity. As Boomers, they inherited the stability built by the Silents but wanted to add their own legacy. Charles’s environmentalism and Anne’s relentless work ethic both capture the Boomer impulse: to improve, reform, and leave their mark.
Generation X – Princess Diana
“I lead from the heart, not the head.” – Princess Diana
Diana epitomised Gen X’s scepticism of institutions and hunger for authenticity. She pushed back against rigid tradition but also worked tirelessly within the system. Her emotional honesty — sometimes disruptive, always human — captured a generation that values independence yet shoulders responsibility.
Millennials – Prince William & Princess Catherine
“There’s no shame in having a mental health problem.” – Prince William & Princess Catherine
Millennials place wellbeing and purpose at the centre of leadership. William and Catherine’s advocacy around mental health and early childhood reflects their generation’s desire to blend tradition with impact. They are, in many ways, the organisation’s Millennial middle managers — tasked with bridging older and younger cohorts while steering reform.
Generation Z – Prince Harry, Beatrice & Eugenie
“My dad taught us to be original, not to conform.” – Princess Eugenie
Generation Z is the counterpoint to the Silents. Where the older generation prized duty and discretion, Gen Z values authenticity and independence. Harry stepping away from “the Firm” and Eugenie’s call for originality show a generation unafraid to opt out if the direction of travel doesn’t suit. For them, institutions are optional.
Generation Alpha – George, Charlotte, Louis
Too young for defining quotes, but already shaped by a hyper-connected, AI-driven world. Prince George is groomed for global visibility, Charlotte radiates confidence, and Archie and Lilibet represent a more international, hybrid future. Alphas will be the first fully digital-native leaders.
So What?
The Royal Family is more than pageantry. It is a masterclass in intergenerational dynamics: Silent stoicism, Boomer idealism, Gen X authenticity, Millennial purpose, Gen Z disruption, and Alpha digital energy. Despite constant turbulence, it remains one of the longest-running organisations in the world.
For leaders and organisations, the lesson is simple: embrace generational differences, and you don’t just survive — you thrive.
