'Willy and I liked him a lot': Royal Family mourns the loss of former staff member
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In the tapestry of Royal life, some figures become as much a part of the family's story as the Royals themselves.
One such figure was a man whose service left an indelible mark on the lives of those he protected, including Princes William and Harry.
Graham Craker, one of the Royal Family's former bodyguards, has passed away at 77 years old.
His sons, James and Matthew, announced his passing in a social media post.
'It's with heavy hearts that my brother and I announce the passing of our beloved dad, Graham Craker (Crackers),' both sons said.
'He was an incredible man—our hero, our rock—and meant everything to us.'
'Words can't describe the pride we feel in how he lived his life so selflessly, not only in his professional career but in his personal life, right up to the very end,' they continued in the post.
'A wonderful dad, grandad, friend and colleague, loved by many. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace.'
Craker was more than just a protection officer to the young princes; he was a steadfast presence during some of the most tumultuous times of their lives.
Graham Craker was a source of stability and comfort for the Royal Family, particularly after the tragic death of Princess Diana.
Craker showed his commitment to duty during Princess Diana's funeral procession in 1997.
He walked solemnly behind her hearse from St James' Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Later on, Craker rode in the front seat of the hearse, pausing to clear the windscreen of flowers thrown by grieving members of the public.
This poignant image has been etched in the collective memory of a nation in mourning.
In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry recalled the sombre journey.
'The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear the flowers off the windscreen. The bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot,' Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, wrote.
'We always called him "Crackers". We thought that was hysterical.'
Craker's role extended beyond his duty; he was also involved in the personal moments of the princes' lives.
He would often accompany them and Diana on a visit to Alton Towers theme park in 1994.
These shared experiences helped forge a bond that went beyond his professional duty.
Craker's 35 years of service to the Metropolitan Police—with 15 years spent as a royal protection officer—made him a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.
Despite stepping away from his duties, he was present at Prince William and Catherine's wedding in 2011.
Yet, Craker's contributions to society did not end with his retirement.
He was deeply involved in community work in his hometown of Ware, Hertfordshire, and volunteered for local charities like the Southern Maltings Arts Centre.
The organisation also paid tribute to Craker as a trusted and respected figure, remembered for his laughter, warmth, and eagerness to help others.
Craker reflected on his experiences—particularly after Princess Diana's death—in the documentary series Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors.
He shared the profound moments he witnessed, including the silent exchange of comfort between him and Prince William.
Graham Craker's life was one of service, not just to the Royal Family, but to his community.
His passing should be a reminder of the impact one person can bring to many lives.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Graham Craker's family during this time.
May he rest in peace.
One such figure was a man whose service left an indelible mark on the lives of those he protected, including Princes William and Harry.
Graham Craker, one of the Royal Family's former bodyguards, has passed away at 77 years old.
His sons, James and Matthew, announced his passing in a social media post.
'It's with heavy hearts that my brother and I announce the passing of our beloved dad, Graham Craker (Crackers),' both sons said.
'He was an incredible man—our hero, our rock—and meant everything to us.'
Graham Craker served the Royal Family for 15 years. Image Credit: ETimes
'Words can't describe the pride we feel in how he lived his life so selflessly, not only in his professional career but in his personal life, right up to the very end,' they continued in the post.
'A wonderful dad, grandad, friend and colleague, loved by many. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace.'
Craker was more than just a protection officer to the young princes; he was a steadfast presence during some of the most tumultuous times of their lives.
Graham Craker was a source of stability and comfort for the Royal Family, particularly after the tragic death of Princess Diana.
Craker showed his commitment to duty during Princess Diana's funeral procession in 1997.
He walked solemnly behind her hearse from St James' Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Later on, Craker rode in the front seat of the hearse, pausing to clear the windscreen of flowers thrown by grieving members of the public.
This poignant image has been etched in the collective memory of a nation in mourning.
In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry recalled the sombre journey.
'The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear the flowers off the windscreen. The bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot,' Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, wrote.
'We always called him "Crackers". We thought that was hysterical.'
Craker's role extended beyond his duty; he was also involved in the personal moments of the princes' lives.
He would often accompany them and Diana on a visit to Alton Towers theme park in 1994.
These shared experiences helped forge a bond that went beyond his professional duty.
Craker's 35 years of service to the Metropolitan Police—with 15 years spent as a royal protection officer—made him a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.
Despite stepping away from his duties, he was present at Prince William and Catherine's wedding in 2011.
Yet, Craker's contributions to society did not end with his retirement.
He was deeply involved in community work in his hometown of Ware, Hertfordshire, and volunteered for local charities like the Southern Maltings Arts Centre.
The organisation also paid tribute to Craker as a trusted and respected figure, remembered for his laughter, warmth, and eagerness to help others.
Craker reflected on his experiences—particularly after Princess Diana's death—in the documentary series Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors.
He shared the profound moments he witnessed, including the silent exchange of comfort between him and Prince William.
Graham Craker's life was one of service, not just to the Royal Family, but to his community.
His passing should be a reminder of the impact one person can bring to many lives.
May he rest in peace.
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