A striking narrative emerges from the pages of Anna Murdoch’s 1988 novel, “Family Business,” which eerily reflects the tumultuous dynamics within her own family as they navigate issues of power, money, and succession. This insightful work provides a prescient glimpse into the complexities that have since unfolded within the Murdoch family, particularly between Rupert Murdoch and his four eldest children—Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James. As highlighted in the recently released Netflix docuseries, “Dynasty: The Murdochs,” Anna’s fictional depiction serves as both a warning and a critique of how disputes over inheritance and authority can lead to familial disarray.
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Anna Murdoch, who was married to Rupert from 1967 until 1999 and is the mother of three of his children—Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James—crafted her novel in a period marked by rising tensions within the family. The narrative revolves around a media empire similar to that built by Rupert, illustrating the conflicts that can erupt when a patriarch fails to delineate a clear plan for succession. The docuseries notes that the character based on Rupert is portrayed as a woman, dedicated to her craft yet ultimately leading her family towards conflict and heartbreak.
The premise of “Family Business” captures the essence of corporate power struggles, embodying themes of familial loyalty challenged by greed and ambition. The storyline follows the McLean newspaper and telecommunications network, grounded in historical events such as the Great Depression and Labour strikes, while weaving a rich tapestry of personal and corporate drama. Anna’s depiction of the family dynamic resonates with her own experiences, as she sought to illustrate the destructive nature of unchecked ambition within familial relationships.
Vanity Fair’s description of the book reflects the narrative’s depth, indicating how it portrays a media dynasty torn apart due to a lack of foresight in planning for the future. The docuseries suggests that Anna was well aware of the potential rifts her family might face, remarking in an interview that she intended to reveal how power dynamics could endanger sibling ties. Her insights were borne out through subsequent events, as her children became embroiled in public disputes over their father’s legacy.
Following her divorce from Rupert, Anna took proactive measures to establish a family trust intended to safeguard her children’s interests in the face of potential conflict. The trust, set up so that Rupert held a majority of votes until his death, solidified a foundational aspect of the family’s business dealings going forward. As tensions heightened in recent years, this structure became the focal point of a significant legal battle when Rupert allegedly sought to bolster Lachlan’s control over the family empire, prompting his siblings to pursue billion-dollar settlements.
Reports emerged of a considerable settlement deal reached in September 2025, wherein Lachlan was awarded control over News Corp and Fox Corp. Meanwhile, his siblings received multi-billion-pound payouts, a reflection of the contentious nature of the family dynamics as they stand today. The outcomes remain intertwined with Anna’s initial warnings, as her prescience regarding the dangers of succession and division within the family seems to have come to fruition.
Now married to financier William Mann until his passing in 2017, and later to Ashton dePeyster until her death in February 2026, Anna’s personal journey paralleled the broader narrative of her family’s trials. Even towards the end of her life, Anna remained focused on the implications of leadership and family ties, continually aware of the heavy burden that wealth and influence can impose upon relationships.
As “Dynasty: The Murdochs” streams on Netflix, it serves as a timely exploration of the interactions between wealth, power, and family, providing viewers an opportunity to reflect on the lessons illustrated by Anna’s story. The ongoing disputes surrounding the Murdoch family stand as a testament to the enduring relevance of her warnings about the potential for familial discord when interests diverge, particularly in the realm of powerful dynasties.
As the Murdoch saga unfolds, it remains a cautionary tale of how ambition within a family can lead to deep divisions, reminding us all of the intricate balance required between personal relationships and the pursuit of legacy.