Hewitt says he's not Prince Harry's father

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NEW YORK, April 25 (UPI) -- James Hewitt, the late Princess Diana's one-time lover, says he isn't the father of Britain's Prince Harry, contrary to persistent reports that say he is.

Before she died in 1997, Diana admitted cheating with the British Royal Army officer while she was still married to Prince Charles, who is acknowledged as the father of the princess' sons William and Harry.

"Inside Edition" says Hewitt left England five years ago to escape the media attention that has long dogged him because of his connection to the royal family. He now runs the Polo House restaurant in Spain.

"I got in my car and loaded a few things up to get on the ferry to go to France -- to shoot myself," Hewitt told the TV program about why he left England. "And then my mother insisted on coming with me. And, had she hadn't, I would have probably have shot myself. So I owe [my mother] my life, really."

Asked why he contemplated suicide, Hewitt said in the interview that aired Monday, "I felt I had let people down."

Pressed to describe to whom he was referring, he replied: "Probably myself. My family. My friends. The nation. The army. My regiment."

Hewitt had little to say about reports saying he is Harry's father based on the timing of his affair with Diana and the uncanny resemblance between the prince and himself.

"No I am not [Harry's real father.] I am not happy talking about it," Hewitt said. "It's out of respect for everyone."

Hewitt said he is planning a royal wedding-themed party at his restaurant this week because British ex-patriots who frequent the establishment requested it.

William is to marry Kate Middleton Friday. Harry is to serve as best man.