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Former Bodyguard of Princes William and Harry, Graham Craker, Passes Away
Graham “Crackers” Craker, the erstwhile royal protection officer who served as a bodyguard to Prince William and Prince Harry, has reportedly died at the age of 77. News outlets confirm the passing of the former London Metropolitan Police officer who played a significant role in safeguarding the young princes, particularly during the period surrounding the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
Craker’s Role During Princess Diana’s Funeral
Mr. Craker was a constant presence alongside William, now 42, and Harry, now 40, as they solemnly walked behind Princess Diana’s hearse. This poignant procession took place on September 6, 1997, moving from St James’s Palace to Westminster Abbey for Diana’s globally televised funeral. He also accompanied the late princess on her final journey, riding in the hearse that transported her body from Westminster Abbey to her resting place at Althorp House in Northamptonshire.
Tributes and Fond Memories of Graham Craker
Southern Maltings, a charity based in Ware, Hertfordshire, publicly acknowledged Craker’s death via their official Facebook page on Thursday, April 3, expressing their sorrow.
The organization shared, “Today, we are deeply saddened to announce the death of our friend and colleague, Graham Craker.”
Southern Maltings further elaborated on his contributions: “While his family knew him as a father and grandfather, we cherished Graham as a valued friend and colleague. His trustworthiness was such that he was the sole volunteer entrusted with keys to our building. Even in the absence of scheduled events, Graham could often be found ensuring the bar was clean, well-stocked, and prepared.”
The tribute concluded by highlighting Craker’s diverse service, stating, “From his years with the police protection squad and significant involvement in the Rotary Club, to his dedication as a key volunteer at Southern Maltings, many will deeply miss our very own James Bond,” referencing his distinguished career with the UK police force.
Prince Harry’s Memoir and “Crackers” Nickname
In his memoir, Spare, published in 2023, Prince Harry recounted how he and Prince William affectionately nicknamed Craker “Crackers.”
Prince Harry’s description in Spare detailed the emotional day of Diana’s funeral procession, “The driver frequently had to pull over so Graham could get out and clear the flowers thrown onto the windscreen.”
“Graham was the bodyguard. Willy and I were very fond of him. We always referred to him as Crackers. We found it hilarious,” the Duke of Sussex added.
Craker’s Reflections on Princess Diana’s Death
In a 2017 interview with The New York Post, Craker spoke candidly about the profound shock of Princess Diana’s death and his immediate reaction upon receiving the news on August 31, 1997.
“It was incredibly difficult to comprehend. It takes time to process such news, and initially, you need to verify its authenticity. Confirmation came swiftly. Following that, a policeman’s instinct takes over: assess the situation and proceed,” he stated.
Recalling the days after Diana’s passing, he shared, “Perhaps the most poignant moment was seeing William the morning after the car crash. I approached him as he walked his dog outside and expressed my condolences, saying, ‘I’m deeply sorry for your loss.’ William somberly replied, ‘Thank you.’ Respecting his grief, I continued my walk as William continued with his dog.”