Former Royal butler Paul Burrell has arrived in New York to tell his story on American television.

The trans-Atlantic media deal follows an emotional appearance on British TV at the weekend.

During the interview Mr Burrell insisted he would never betray the late Diana, Princess of Wales, saying: "I will always be her rock."

It was his first detailed television interview since he was acquitted on theft charges when his Old Bailey trial was halted.

All I said was that I was keeping certain items safe

Paul Burrell

America's fascination with the British Royal family has landed Mr Burrell a number of appearances on high-profile TV programmes.

He is due to tell his story on the Barbara Walters show 20/20, the breakfast show Good Morning America and daytime show The View, according to the Daily Mirror.

He has also been lined up for an American quiz show called Paul Burrell's What the Butler Saw, according to his personal manager Dave Warwick.

Mr Burrell is staying at New York's Millennium Hotel with his wife Maria and their two sons.

'Presumptive and arrogant'

During his interview with Sir Trevor McDonald broadcast on Sunday night, Mr Burrell said he had told the Queen shortly after Diana's death that he had taken some of her possessions for safekeeping.

Mr Burrell said the Queen had not asked for details of exactly what he held.

It was the monarch's subsequent recollection of the conversation - said by Mr Burrell to have lasted three hours - that triggered the end of his Old Bailey trial.

Asked whether the Queen would have known the full extent of the items, Mr Burrell replied: "She didn't ask me and I didn't tell her.

"That may sound rather presumptive and arrogant but it wasn't meant that way.

"All I said was that I was keeping certain items safe."

The former footman to the Queen described his own life, being Diana's "rock", and revealed how he had considered suicide when he was arrested.

Video diary

In reference to an alleged warning from the Queen, he recalled: "She said 'Paul, do be careful. There are powers at work in this country of which we have no knowledge', and she didn't have to explain that any further."

The ITV programme included extracts from a video diary made by Mr Burrell before and during his trial.

In it he revealed how he had considered suicide after his arrest but stopped himself for the sake of his family.

I am Diana's rock and I will always be her rock and I will show them

Paul Burrell

Mr Burrell also expressed his astonishment that his duties to the Royals could have landed him in court.

He said: "In my wildest dreams I just can't imagine that by protecting someone, by taking care of them, by devoting your life to someone, you can end up in prison."

Mr Burrell said he still held some of Diana's possessions, but believed that "everything... contained within Kensington Palace belonged to William and Harry".

"It was never my property."

He said he would never betray the princess and wanted to hold his head up high.

"I am going to strive and say I am here, I am Diana's rock and I will always be her rock and I will show them."