Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship has been a rocky one during the last couple of years, but it wasn’t always like that. In fact, while growing up, the two shared a really close bond and went through a lot together, including losing their mother, Princess Diana, when they were still rather young.
One person that witnessed the two princes growing up and sharing their happiness and sadness together was Graham Craker, the man who served 35 years as a Metropolitan Police officer and was also the brothers’ personal bodyguard for 15 years.
Sadly, Graham Craker, nicknamed ‘Crackers’ by the brothers, passed away aged 77.
On the day Princess Diana tragically passed away, Craker accompanied young Princes Harry and William to Balmoral and later walked behind them during their mother’s funeral procession.
“I was standing at the rear of the hearse when William looked up and acknowledged me,” he told The New York Post. “I looked back and nodded. He seemed comforted knowing I was there with his mum on her final journey.”
He recalled the overwhelming emotion from the crowds: “There were people in tears, some on their knees making the sign of the cross, others throwing flowers at the hearse.”
“What really amazed me,” he added, “was when we got on the northbound M1 even the southbound traffic came to a halt. People stepped out of their cars and bowed in silence.”
Craker has often reflected on those heartbreaking days, sharing that one of the most emotional moments for him came the morning after Princess Diana’s funeral. He recalled seeing Prince William out walking his dog and gently approaching him.
“I said, ‘I’m very, very sorry to hear your bad news,’” Craker remembered. “William simply replied, ‘Thank you.’”
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry writes fondly of Craker and the bond the brothers shared with him.
“The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear the flowers off the windscreen,” Harry recalled. “The bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot. We always called him Crackers we thought that was hysterical.” through
Ten years after retiring, Craker was invited to attend Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding—a touching reflection of the royal family’s enduring appreciation for his service.
He was also honored with the Royal Victorian Order by Queen Elizabeth II, a prestigious recognition awarded to those who have personally served the monarchy. through
Following his passing, Craker’s two sons confirmed the news, describing him as “an incredible man” who “lived his life so selflessly.”
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