Graham Craker, the trusted bodyguard to Princes William and Harry, has died at 77. Known as “Crackers,” he served the royal family for 35 years, including 15 years as the princes’ personal protector.
Craker was with the young princes at Balmoral when they learned of Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997. He later recalled the moment William quietly thanked him after hearing the news.
During Diana’s funeral, Craker walked behind the hearse with William and Harry. He said Prince William gave him a reassuring nod, knowing Craker was there for their mother’s final journey.
Crowds wept and tossed flowers as the hearse passed. Even cars on the opposite side of the M1 stopped, with people stepping out to bow in respect.
Prince Harry shared in Spare that he and William adored their bodyguard Graham Craker, fondly calling him “Crackers.” Craker even attended William and Kate’s wedding a decade after retiring.
Honored by Queen Elizabeth II and active in charity work later in life, Craker remained a beloved figure to the royals and his community.
Graham Craker, a dedicated volunteer at the Southern Maltings creative centre, has sadly passed away. In a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook Thursday, the centre warmly described him as “our very own James Bond.”
“It is with much sadness that we must share that our friend and colleague, Graham Craker, has sadly died,” the post began.
“Graham has been on our journey almost from the very beginning, and has been behind our bar for the whole of that time, making sure everyone has the best of times.
“While to the most important people in his life Graham was a father, and grandfather, to us he was a valued friend and colleague.
“He was the only volunteer to have a set of keys to the building, such is the measure of how trusted and respected he was, and it was not unusual to find him around, even when there was no event, because he wanted to make sure the bar was clean, stocked and ready for everyone else.
“But mostly, for those of us who worked events, he will be remembered for his laugh, his warmth and the way he always just wanted to help people.
“From a career in the police, as a member of the protection squad, a huge driving force in the rotary and eventually a key volunteer at the Southern Maltings, so many people are going to miss our very own James Bond.
“Our broken hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew him. RIP Crackers, we’ll make sure you are remembered behind the bar and will raise a glass for you this evening.”