Former Royal Bodyguard ‘Crackers’ Passes Away at 77: A Life of Loyalty and Quiet Strength

Graham “Crackers” Craker, the devoted former bodyguard to Prince William and Prince Harry, has passed away at the age of 77. Known not just for his professionalism but for his compassion and unwavering presence, Craker served the royal family during some of the most defining and painful moments of the princes’ young lives—including the tragic loss of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.

Craker’s sons, Graham and James, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, as reported by the BBC. In a heartfelt tribute, they described their father as “an incredible man – our hero, our rock – and meant everything to us.” They added, “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.” At this time, the family has not released the cause of his passing.

A Steady Presence During Tragedy

Craker held the role of personal protection officer to the young princes at a time when the world watched them closely, their every move under a microscope following Princess Diana’s death. Amidst the storm of media and mourning, Craker provided calm and comfort, ensuring the boys not only felt safe, but also supported.

His loyalty and kindness left a lasting impression on both William and Harry. Prince Harry recalled him fondly in his 2023 memoir Spare, referencing the somber day of his mother’s funeral. “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, as in Graham Crackers. We thought it was hysterical.”

What might have been a small moment to others became a lasting memory for the young royals—one that spoke volumes about Craker’s quiet dedication.

A Life of Service

Before his role with the royal family, Craker built a distinguished career in law enforcement and personal security, known by colleagues for his steady hand, discretion, and strong moral compass. He was a man who avoided the spotlight, but whose influence ran deep within those he served and protected.

Friends and former colleagues describe him as someone with a sharp sense of humor, a calm demeanor under pressure, and a profound sense of duty. These qualities made him not just a protector, but also a mentor and a trusted figure in the lives of two boys navigating unimaginable grief and public pressure.

Remembering a Hero

Though not a public figure himself, Craker’s impact rippled through the royal household and beyond. His legacy isn’t one of fame, but of character. In an era of constant headlines and shifting alliances, his was a life marked by loyalty, compassion, and quiet strength.

To Prince William and Prince Harry, he wasn’t just a bodyguard. He was a symbol of stability during chaos, a comforting presence when they needed it most. His nickname, “Crackers,” remains a reminder of the affection and trust he earned—a simple inside joke that carried meaning far deeper than words.

Craker’s passing marks the end of an era, but his memory lives on in the stories, the tributes, and the lasting impression he left on a family that relied on him more than the public ever knew.