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 of Lady Di’s tragic passing, Craker accompanied Harry and William to Balmoral. He also walked behind them on the day of their mother’s funeral.
“I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me. I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey,” he shared with The New York Post.
“There were people in tears, on their knees crossing themselves, throwing flowers at the hearse.
“The bit that amazed me is when we got on the northbound M1, even the southbound traffic had stopped and people got out of their cars and bowed in respect.”
In the past, Craker recalled those sad moment, saying that seeing Prince William the morning after his mother’s funeral was the most emotional.
He remembered approaching the young prince, who was taking his dog for a walk, and saying, “I’m very, very sorry to hear your bad news.” William said “Thank you.”
In his memoir Spare, Harry describes the close relationship the brothers had with Craker.
“The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear the flowers off the windscreen,” Harry wrote.
“The bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot. We always called him Crackers. We thought that was hysterical.”
Ten years following his retirement, Craker attended William and Kate’s wedding, another testament of the appreciation the royals had for him and his work.
Additionally, he received the Royal Victorian Order from Queen Elizabeth II, a recognition for individuals who have personally served the monarchy.
Craker’s two sons conformed the news of their father’s passing, calling him “an incredible man” who “lived his life so selflessly.”
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