GONE TOO SOON
Three docs pay tribute to Princess Diana
Princes Charles (from left), Harry and William survey the sympathy cards and flowers left at Kensington Palace.
DIANA AND THE PAPARAZZI DIANA: THE DAY WE SAID GOODBYE, Sunday, 8 and 9 p.m., Smithsonian Channel DIANA, 7 DAYS, Friday, 8 p.m., NBC
SINCE May, a half-dozen TV documentaries have commemorated the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana in a horrific Paris car crash that also killed her companion Dodi Fayed on Aug. 31, 1997. On Sunday, back-to-back Smithsonian Channel specials will examine her public life and the immediate aftermath of her passing. The first, “Diana and the Paparazzi,” focuses on her relationship with photographers, which made her the “most hunted person of the modern age,” as her brother, Earl Spencer, stated during his eulogy at her funeral. The second film, “Diana: The Day We Said Goodbye,” chronicles the days before the funeral. Among those interviewed for the first time is Graham Craker (inset), a Metropolitan Police officer who served as a bodyguard ffor young Prince William and Prince Harry for 15 years until retiring in 2001. (“Diana, 7 Days,” a documentary featuring interviews with Prince WWilliam and Prince Harry, will air Friday on NBC.)
Craker, 70, recently spoke by phone with The PPost from his home north of London.
WhyW did you decide to take part in the film?
Lots of people have been jumping on the bandwagon, writing books and giving interviews basically for their own egos and to make money. It was clear that this [film] was going to be a very balanced program. I have respect for William and Harry and feel it adds a fine stripe to their documentary.
What was your reaction when Diana died?
It was so difficult to take in. 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. From there on, it’s the policeman’s instinct to assess the situation and carry on.
You were with the royal family in Scotland when Diana died. Did you have any idea what to expect once you returned to London?
There was a cloud over London. It was like slow motion … Everybody could feel the sadness.
Were you able to comfort Prince William and Prince Harry?
Not really. That was the duty of the parents, family and everybody else they thought could help.
What was the hardest part of the week?
Perhaps the most emotional [moment] was seeing William the morning after [the car crash]. I saw William walking his dog outside, and I walked up to him and said, “I’m very, very sorry to hear your bad news.” William very sadly said, “Thank you.” Not wishing to encroach upon his grief, I then walked on and William continued walking his dog.
You traveled with the coffin after the funeral. There’s a clip of William watching as it was loaded into the hearse. What was that like?
I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me. I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey.
Do you often think back to what happened?
Especially now, I do. It comes on TV, and I see myself in the hearse and think, “Is that really me?” That’s how surreal it was.