Prince Harry and Prince William\u2019s relationship may be strained today, but those who knew them during their younger years remember a very different dynamic \u2014 one filled with deep camaraderie and shared heartache, particularly in the aftermath of Princess Diana\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
Few people had as intimate a view into the lives of the young princes as Graham Craker, a former Metropolitan Police officer who served as their personal bodyguard for 15 years. Affectionately known as \u201cCrackers\u201d by Harry and William, Craker was not just a protector, but a trusted presence during both the most joyful and sorrowful moments of their early lives.<\/p>\n
Craker recently passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his two sons, who described him as \u201can incredible man\u201d who \u201clived his life so selflessly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Craker stood by the princes during key moments of their upbringing \u2014 and none were more emotionally charged than the days following Princess Diana\u2019s tragic death in 1997. When news broke of Diana\u2019s passing, Craker was there to accompany William and Harry to Balmoral, providing comfort and security in an unimaginable moment of grief.<\/p>\n
He later walked behind Princess Diana\u2019s hearse during her funeral procession, a memory that stayed with him for the rest of his life. \u201cI was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me,\u201d he once shared with The New York Post. \u201cI looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
He recalled the overwhelming public response that day. \u201cThere were people in tears, on their knees crossing themselves, throwing flowers at the hearse\u2026 even the southbound traffic on the M1 had stopped. People got out of their cars and bowed in respect.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Prince Harry and Prince William\u2019s relationship may be strained today, but those who knew them during their younger years remember a very different dynamic \u2014 one filled with deep camaraderie and shared heartache, particularly in the aftermath of Princess Diana\u2019s death. Few people had as intimate a view into the lives of the young princes…<\/p>\n