In addition to stories revealing the deaths of Prince Harry and Prince William’s former bodyguard, his sons have spoken out about the tragedy.
Prince William and Prince Harry are grieving the death of Graham Craker, their former royal bodyguard and a major figure in their youth. He was a key figure in their lives, especially in the days following the loss of their mother, Princess Diana. He was 77 years old at the time of his death.
The Sun broke the news of Craker’s death, sparking a wave of reflection on his long-standing relationship with the royal family. Previously known to William and Harry by the endearing moniker “Crackers,” the late bodyguard was a modest yet persistent presence during their early years.
As many lined the streets to pay their respects to their late mother, Craker walked directly behind the then-young princes during her funeral procession from St. James’ Palace to Westminster Abbey, a moment that will live on in public memory.
The Sun broke the news of Craker’s death, sparking a wave of reflection on his long-standing relationship with the royal family. Previously known to William and Harry by the endearing moniker “Crackers,” the late bodyguard was a modest yet persistent presence during their early years.
As many lined the streets to pay their respects to their late mother, Craker walked directly behind the then-young princes during her funeral procession from St. James’ Palace to Westminster Abbey, a moment that will live on in public memory.
The prince also mentioned how fond he and his brother were of Craker, finding immense delight in the moniker they had given him—which had stayed throughout the years.
“Willy and I really liked him. We always dubbed him Crakers, like in ‘Graham Crackers.’ “We thought that was hilarious,” reads a part of “Spare.”
Craker’s devotion to the royal family went well beyond that sad period. He had seen in family pictures accompanying Harry and his brother on trips, including a trip to Alton Towers in 1994, and was subsequently spotted as one of the invited guests for William and Princess Catherine’s 2011 wedding.
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His professional career spanned more than three decades with the Metropolitan Police, including 15 years as a royal security officer. The late Queen Elizabeth II gave him the Royal Victorian Order in appreciation of his service.
Craker stayed engaged in his local town of Ware, Hertfordshire, volunteering with philanthropic groups after retiring in 2001.
Following Craker’s death, his sons James and Matthew turned to Facebook to pay a heartfelt tribute to their father. “It’s with heavy hearts that my brother and I announce the passing of our beloved dad, Graham Craker (Crackers),” they wrote, their words ringing with pain and pride.
“He was an incredible man—our hero, our rock—and he meant everything to us,” said the couple. The poignant statement honored Craker’s life of service as well as his role as a beloved father, grandparent, friend, and coworker.
Former Royalty Protection Officer and @metpoliceuk 35 year veteran, Graham Cracker has sadly passed away aged 77.
He was with the two boys the day they learned of their mother’s passing.
RIP, Sir 🫡 https://t.co/g4Wz8lpK1w pic.twitter.com/98pcSCn5Zw
— Oliver Laurence – 🇬🇧 Police & Crime Commentator (@Protect_ServeUK) April 7, 2025
“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,” said the sons who were grieving.
They also referred to him as “loved by so many” and encouraged people to submit their memories and images in his memory.
Their homage was accompanied by a compilation of photos that revealed Craker’s warmth and vigor outside of the spotlight.
Among them were photographs of beloved family moments: Craker proudly surrounded by his kids on someone’s wedding day, beaming with his arms wrapped around them on a couch, laughter caught in time, and images of him in more intimate situations.
Other photographs showed Craker standing alone among blossoming magnolia trees, sitting in a telephone box, and enjoying a nature expedition in Africa. These glances built a picture of somebody whose presence was as reassuring as it was cheerful — someone who mattered just as much at home as he did in public.
In addition to his kids’ poignant tributes, Craker was recognized by the workers at Southern Maltings, a local cultural hub where he had become a popular figure. The organization, which described him as both a friend and a colleague, expressed regret at his death while also thanking him for his long-standing services.
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His devotion extended far beyond pouring beverages; he was the only volunteer given his own set of keys, demonstrating the amount of trust and respect he had gained.
Whether or not there was an event going on, Craker could frequently be found quietly prepping the area, making sure everything was clean and ready for others.
Craker’s influence on the Southern Maltings staff was not only practical but also deeply personal. He was remembered for his fun, friendliness, and unwavering readiness to assist. They referred to him as “our very own James Bond,” alluding to his illustrious career as a royal protection officer and his easy, calm attitude.
But his humanity left the most lasting impression. “Our broken hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew him,” the crew stated, before finishing with a simple but emotional promise: “RIP Crackers, we’ll make sure you’re remembered behind the bar and will raise a glass for you this evening.”
Under their statement, the crew included a lovely photo of Craker standing proudly at the bar, clad in his distinctive Southern Maltings apron and bow tie. Two coworkers stood to one side of Craker, their smiles conveying the depth of their bond—a fitting farewell image of a man whose legacy lives on in the lives he impacted.
While many people enjoyed Craker’s subsequent work, it was his early interactions with the royal family, particularly during a time of great sadness, that molded much of the public’s respect for him. Craker revealed in one of his rare public thoughts the heartbreaking moment he learned of Diana’s terrible automobile accident while visiting Balmoral with the royal family.
From a home phone, he quietly called Buckingham Palace to learn of Dodi Fayed’s death and the princess’s broken arm. When he received the ultimate confirmation that Diana had also died, he was overcome with grief. Speaking about the morning following, he remembered seeing a young William outdoors walking his dog.
Craker approached him with calm sympathy and expressed his sympathies, to which William just said, “Thank you.” Craker described the encounter as arguably the most emotional event of the week preceding her death.
The relationship between the prince and his bodyguard was evident at Diana’s burial, as Craker recounted standing behind the hearse, sharing sorrowful glances with William. He thought that brief, wordless moment brought solace to the little prince.
Speaking to The New York Post in 2017, Craker revealed more about the days leading up to Diana’s death, providing a rare and personal view of a moment that permanently altered the course of royal history.
Craker was with the royal family in Scotland when Diana died. When he returned to London, he was overwhelmed by the weight of national grief.
“My colleagues there said they had never seen anything like that before. There was a cloud above London. It felt like everything was happening in slow motion.” Everybody could feel the sadness,” he explained.
His statements produced a terrible picture of a city brought to a halt by sadness, a memory that seemed to remain long after the rituals of grieving were over.
Perhaps the most devastating memory Craker carried was from the conclusion of Diana’s burial. He stood in the back as they loaded her casket into the hearse for the drive to Althorp.
“William glanced up and acknowledged me. “I looked at him and nodded,” he explained. That nonverbal contact delivered a powerful sense of familiarity, reassurance, and shared pain.
“William was comforted that I was accompanying his mother on her final journey,” Craker recounted. It was a moment that went beyond duty, reflecting the relationship he had made with the young royals during their most sensitive stage of life.
During the same interview with The Post, Craker explained why he opted to be in the film “Diana: The Day We Said Goodbye.” He thought the effort, in contrast to others, had a dignified tone and was not driven by selfish interests.
“Many individuals have been embracing the trend,” he stated, referencing the deluge of firsthand accounts and exaggerated reports that ensued after Diana’s passing. But he thought that this documentary “was going to be a well-balanced program.”
Craker’s contribution was not about the spotlight; it was about honoring a woman he had faithfully served and the two young kids she had left behind. “I have respect for William and Harry and feel it adds a fine stripe to their documentary,” according to him.
Craker said that the moment he learned of Diana’s death was tough for him to understand. “It takes a while to absorb, and then you feel the need to make sure what you’re hearing is true — and that didn’t take long to establish,” he told CNN.
Even in the midst of shock, his instincts as a former cop kicked in. “From there on, it’s the policeman’s instinct to assess the situation and carry on,” Craker told me.
When asked if he could provide consolation to William and Harry, he simply said, “Not really. That was clearly the responsibility of the parents, relatives, and anybody else they believed could assist.” What he did remember was the melancholy aura that pervaded their interactions — a silent, shared grief that words could never completely describe.
The overwhelming sense of community sadness struck Craker as the funeral procession passed through London.
“There were people in tears, kneeling and crossing themselves, tossing flowers at the hearse. “What amazed me was that when we got on the northbound M1, even the southbound traffic had stopped, and people got out of their cars and bowed in respect,” he said.
Even years later, he couldn’t shake the memory of that moment. “Currently, I do… When I watch myself in the hearse on TV, I wonder, ‘Is that really me?’ Years later, when asked if he could still recall the tragedy, Craker said, “That’s how surreal it was.”
As the world says goodbye to Crackers, his legacy lives on in official documents, royal memories, and the quiet recollections of those who knew him as a parent, friend, and humble hero.
His tale, rooted in devotion, compassion, and quiet strength, will be remembered by the lives he saved, the family he loved, and the communities he tirelessly served.
At this time, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to Craker’s sons, other loved ones, the royal family, his friends, and everyone who knew and loved him. We pray for their recovery as they grieve such a devastating loss. RIP, Craker.
The devastating news comes after Zach Stubbings, William’s former flying instructor, died of cancer. Zach Stubbings flew military helicopters, especially the Sea King, for nine years, exposing him to harmful exhaust fumes.
The 47-year-old father of three has left his wife, Anna-Louise Bates. His sister, Becci Louise, paid a heartfelt tribute to her adored brother.
Her Facebook post said, “Today we bid goodbye to my brother Zach. He was loved by so many, and I’m so grateful to everyone who came to express their support for him; it was awe inspiring [sic]. Much-loved brother, father to his sons, and son to my parents, you will be missed xx.”
In 2012, Stubbings received a blood cancer diagnosis, which ultimately resulted in his medical departure from the RAF in 2015. “It was a giant knock,” he said. The news was all the more surprising because he had no symptoms at the time of his diagnosis.
Doctors initially feared an allergy to his new work uniforms, but additional blood tests confirmed the malignancy. Frequent blood testing allowed him to control his cancer, despite the warning that it never goes into remission.
Stubbings, who had been cancer-free for eight years after intensive treatment and a stem cell transplant, described his exposure to exhaust emissions from Sea King helicopters as unavoidable.
The pollutants, which discolored the seats and portions of the aircraft, spread throughout the cabin, harming both pilots and crew. According to the former RAF flight sergeant, numerous people, including a local Navy pilot, developed cancer as a result of their lengthy exposure.
Despite the health concerns, Stubbings cherished his time working with William, who joined 22 Squadron in 2010. Stubbings was William’s tutor.
William then spent three years flying search-and-rescue helicopters at RAF Valley, Anglesey, from 2010 to 2013. “So, yes, Will was at risk along with everyone else,” Stubbings added.
Outside of work, Stubbings recalled how he and his staff made unique commemorative mugs for William’s wedding, which had a long-lasting influence on their relationship.
“We all had our names on them. We also customized one for William. Somehow, it became broken. I don’t recall how.” He was gutted,” he explained. He also appreciated the assistance he received from his coworkers, notably William.
After receiving his prognosis, Stubbings had a special moment with William in the operating room. Stubbings recalled William as being incredibly kind and amiable, even though he was too shocked to remember the specifics of the conversation.
Their conversation, one of his last before departing for treatment, had a lasting impact on him. This illness also had a giant impact on his life, causing him to reduce his responsibilities and abandon his professional aspirations. Stubbings expressed gratitude for the emotional support that helped him get through such a tough period, having had an exceptional service record and being on track for promotion to Master Aircrew.
Unfortunately, he passed away as a result of his sickness. Richard Sutton, a former naval captain who worked with Stubbings on coastguard search and rescue missions in 2015, said that he died in January 2025 after being brought to a hospice just weeks before.
Sutton characterized his death as a “shock,” recalling Stubbings as a kind and pleasant man who was usually upbeat. He also mentioned that Stubbings was known for his motto, “happy days,” which he repeated with a smile. Sutton noted that the former RAF flying sergeant was also a dedicated family man.
Six other former military aircrew members, all of whom had received cancer diagnoses, were in a WhatsApp group with the two. Six of the eight former members have perished in the past 20 months, and only two remain living. Sutton’s initial cancer diagnosis came in 2011, and he has since battled nine cancers.
As one of the two still living, Sutton says, “It really brings home the gravity of the situation.” In some ways, I consider myself fortunate to be alive today. The issue remains unresolved.
In 2024, Stubbings publicly discussed his exposure to toxic gases while flying military helicopters, as well as his struggle with cancer. Despite his health issues, he remained optimistic, concentrating on making the most of each day he had left.
When asked how he was dealing with a fatal disease, he said, “You do what you can,” adding, “It affects you, but you make the best of it. You may sit there and scream about it, but that is the card you were given.” My legs could have been blown off.”
Stubbings expressed his satisfaction by saying, “I exceeded my ten-year life expectancy.” In his final year, Stubbings treasured time with his son, who was only a toddler when he learned his fatal diagnosis.
During half-term, he took a few days off to spend alone with him, making lasting memories despite the difficulties he encountered.
Stubbings has served in the RAF for 15 years, from 2000 to 2015. After receiving a cancer diagnosis, he was among the five individuals who received compensation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Unfortunately, it took six years for the ministry to admit that hazardous fumes caused his disease. Following his diagnosis, he had substantial assistance from the government in the last years of his career. However, the compensation he received was rather tiny.
Meanwhile, many cancer sufferers and their families are taking legal action against the Ministry of Defence.
Louisa Donaghy, a senior associate at Hugh James Solicitors who represents many impacted families, called Stubbings’ death heartbreaking and highlights the serious repercussions of long-term exposure to helicopter exhaust fumes.
Donaghy remarked, “Zach’s dedicated service came at a terrible cost, and his battle with multiple myeloma highlights the critical need for accountability.” The Ministry of Defence must accept responsibility and help those impacted.”
Clare Macnaughton, whose husband, Kai, died last year from angiosarcoma caused by years of exposure to helicopter fumes while working for the RAF, referred to Stubbings as a trailblazer. She commended him for providing other affected military personnel the courage to confront the MoD about their health concerns.
“When I spoke to him, he told me that the reason the military settled out of court was because they didn’t want him to disclose in the courtroom the evidence he and his team had unearthed [sic],” according to Macnaughton.
Macnaughton stressed how service members are trained to follow commands and serve their nation wholeheartedly. As a result, learning that the same institution to which they had committed their life had purposefully poisoned them seemed like a devastating betrayal. She said the MoD should be humiliated, adding, “They have blood on their hands.”
A representative for the Ministry of Defence expressed condolences to Stubbings’ loved ones, adding, “Any death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with Zack Stubbings’ family and friends during this difficult time.”
The representative emphasized the department’s dedication to personnel safety and confirmed that the Ministry of Defence regularly evaluates health regulations. “We are now evaluating the exhaust emissions of in-service helicopters to ensure that we are satisfying our duty of care to crew. “It is critical that we can ensure our employees’ workplace safety,” the representative explained.
His friends, loved ones, and family will miss Stubbings. His wife has experienced loss again after losing her first husband and seven-year-old kid when they were knocked over and murdered by a thoughtless motorist ten years ago.
Bates and Stubbings met through Believe, an organization she founded to promote organ donation following her sad double loss in December 2015. In a private ceremony at the end of May 2020, family and close friends witnessed the couple’s marriage. St. Martin’s Church in Roath later blessed their marriage, while a private venue hosted a celebration.
The pair did not ask for gifts and instead established a fundraising website to benefit Believe and Help for Heroes, a renowned organization that has assisted Stubbings since he left the RAF after being diagnosed with blood cancer.
Sutton stated that Stubbings’ widow had demonstrated outstanding resilience in the face of her husband’s battle with illness and death during the last few months. She has coped with losing him as well as anyone could.
At this time, we want to express our sincere sympathies to Stubbings’ wife, son, other family members, friends, and everyone who knew him as they grieve such a tragic loss. We pray for their healing at this difficult time. RIP, lovely Stubbings.