Graham “Crackers” Craker: The Quiet Guardian Behind William and Harry’s Bond
While the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry has captured headlines in recent years, those who knew the brothers during their formative years remember something entirely different — a deep, unbreakable bond forged in both joy and heartbreak.
Few saw that connection more clearly than Graham Craker, a former Metropolitan Police officer and longtime royal bodyguard. Affectionately known as “Crackers” by the young princes, Craker wasn’t just a protector — he was a steady, compassionate presence during some of the most pivotal and painful moments of their lives.
Craker, who recently passed away at age 77, served as William and Harry’s bodyguard for 15 years — a silent witness to their childhood adventures, royal duties, and personal tragedies. His death was confirmed by his two sons, who described him as “an incredible man” who “lived his life so selflessly.”
Among his most unforgettable acts of service was standing by the princes in the wake of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Craker accompanied William and Harry to Balmoral after the news broke — a moment of unimaginable grief. Days later, he walked behind Diana’s hearse in the solemn funeral procession, quietly offering support not just as security, but as someone who had become family.
“I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me,” Craker once recalled. “I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey.”
He remembered the overwhelming mourning that enveloped the country that day — people in tears, on their knees, tossing flowers, even stopping traffic to bow in respect.
One of his most poignant memories came the morning after the funeral. Craker spotted Prince William walking his dog. He approached gently and offered his condolences. William’s simple response: “Thank you.” It was a moment of quiet connection — two people grieving the same loss in different ways.
Prince Harry later wrote about Craker in his memoir Spare, recalling how “Crackers” had to repeatedly clear flowers off the car during Diana’s funeral procession. “Willy and I liked him a lot,” Harry wrote. “We always called him Crackers. We thought that was hysterical.”
Craker wasn’t just there during the darkest times — he was part of the celebrations, too. A decade after retiring, he was invited to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, a gesture that spoke volumes about the respect and affection he’d earned from the royal family.
His service was recognized formally by Queen Elizabeth II, who awarded him the Royal Victorian Order, an honor reserved for those who offer distinguished personal service to the monarch.
The passing of Graham Craker marks more than the end of a life — it closes a chapter in royal history. He wasn’t just a man in the background. He was a trusted constant in William and Harry’s most defining years — a protector, a confidant, and a quiet keeper of their shared past.
