Today, Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship may be strained, but those who knew them in their younger years recall a very different story — one marked by deep brotherhood and shared sorrow, especially after the heartbreaking loss of Princess Diana.
Few had as close a view into the lives of the young princes as Graham Craker, a former Metropolitan Police officer who served as their personal bodyguard for 15 years. Fondly nicknamed “Crackers” by Harry and William, Craker was more than just a protector — he was a trusted companion through both the happiest and most painful moments of their childhood.
Craker recently passed away at the age of 77. His two sons confirmed his death, remembering him as “an incredible man” who “lived his life with remarkable selflessness.”
He stood faithfully by the princes during pivotal times, none more poignant than the days following Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997. When the devastating news broke, Craker was there, accompanying William and Harry to Balmoral, offering both comfort and security amid their unimaginable grief.
He later walked solemnly behind Princess Diana’s hearse during her funeral procession—a moment that stayed with him for the rest of his life. “I was standing at the rear of the hearse when William looked up and acknowledged me,” Craker once told The New York Post.
“I nodded back. William found comfort knowing I was there with his mum on her final journey.”
Craker vividly recalled the overwhelming outpouring of public grief that day. “People were in tears, kneeling and crossing themselves, throwing flowers at the hearse… even the southbound traffic on the M1 came to a halt. Drivers got out of their cars and bowed in respect.”
In a deeply moving moment, Craker remembered seeing a grief-stricken Prince William the morning after the funeral. The young prince was quietly walking his dog when Craker approached to offer his condolences. William simply replied, “Thank you.”
Prince Harry also paid tribute to Craker’s important role during those turbulent years in his memoir Spare. Recalling the chaos of Diana’s funeral procession, Harry wrote, “The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear flowers off the windscreen. That bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot — we always called him Crackers. We thought that was hysterical.”
Beyond standing by the family through their darkest moments, Craker also shared in their joyous occasions. A decade after his retirement, he was invited as a guest to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding — a heartfelt testament to the enduring gratitude the royal family held for his unwavering loyalty and care.
His dedication did not go unrecognized. Queen Elizabeth II honored Craker with the Royal Victorian Order, a prestigious award bestowed on those who have rendered distinguished personal service to the sovereign.
The passing of Graham Craker signals the end of an era—a poignant reminder of a quieter, more intimate chapter in the lives of the royal brothers. For William and Harry, “Crackers” was far more than a bodyguard. He was a steadfast protector, a silent witness to their bond, and a pillar of stability amid profound turmoil.