Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship may be strained today, but there was once a time when their bond was defined by shared joy, deep camaraderie, and the painful journey they both endured after the loss of their beloved mother, Princess Diana.
For those who had an intimate view into the lives of the young princes, one name stands out: Graham Craker. A former Metropolitan Police officer, Craker served as the personal bodyguard to Harry and William for 15 years. Known affectionately as “Crackers,” he wasn’t just a protector — he was a constant and trusted figure, present during both their happiest moments and their most heartbreaking ones.
Craker recently passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service. His two sons paid tribute to him, describing their father as “an incredible man” who “lived his life so selflessly.”
One of Craker’s most significant roles was during the devastating aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997. When the news broke, Craker was there to accompany the princes to Balmoral, offering both security and comfort in the midst of their unimaginable grief.
As the funeral procession for Princess Diana made its way through London, Craker walked solemnly behind her hearse. It’s a memory that stayed with him forever. “I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me,” Craker later recalled to The New York Post. “I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey.”
The emotional public response that day remains etched in Craker’s memory. “There were people in tears, on their knees, crossing themselves, throwing flowers at the hearse… even the southbound traffic on the M1 had stopped. People got out of their cars and bowed in respect.”
But it wasn’t just the public grief that Craker witnessed. The morning after the funeral, he encountered a grief-stricken Prince William, walking his dog in solitude. Craker quietly approached and offered his condolences, to which William simply replied, “Thank you.”
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry fondly recalled the significant role Craker played during those tumultuous days. He humorously wrote about the chaotic funeral procession, saying, “The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear the flowers off the windscreen. The bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot. We always called him Crackers. We thought that was hysterical.”
But Craker’s loyalty wasn’t limited to the most sorrowful of moments. Ten years after retiring, he was invited to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding — a clear sign of the lasting bond and gratitude the royal family held for his unwavering service and care.
Craker’s contributions were formally recognized when Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Royal Victorian Order, an honor given to those who’ve provided exceptional service to the monarchy.
The passing of Graham Craker is a poignant reminder of a quieter, more personal chapter in the lives of Princes William and Harry — one where “Crackers” was more than a bodyguard. He was a protector, a constant presence during times of uncertainty, and a loyal figure who stood by them through both their laughter and their tears.