Britain's Prince Harry says being in the army has kept him out of trouble, and that he dreaded to think where he would be if he had not joined up.

Harry, who attracted hordes of enthusiastic female fans during his trip to New Zealand and Australia, also said he is content being single.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, the prince said he's "very happy not having a girlfriend."

The 30-year-old prince, who just completed a decade-long military career, was speaking at the end of his weeklong visit to New Zealand.

Harry said the army had given him a chance to "escape the limelight." He suggested that his nephew and niece, George and two-week-old Charlotte, should also be involved in the military one day.