Prince: Siblings named as heirs to $200m estate

Ruling follows lengthy and drawn-out legal battle after singer's death in April 2016

The musician died from an accidental overdose of a painkiller, fentanyl, in 2016 (AFP/Getty)

Prince’s siblings have been declared the legal heirs to his Paisley Park estate, more than a year after the pop legend’s sudden death.

The celebrated musician died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a painkiller, in April 2016.

A lengthy and drawn-out legal battle followed over the rights to his estate, with more than 45 people coming forward claiming to be related to the singer.

In July 2016, a judge rejected 29 claims to the estate, that is estimated to be worth around $200m (£153m).

His heirs will now inherit assets that include his properties but also the rights to his musical hits such as ‘When Doves Cry’.

However, Kevin Eide, the district judge in Minnesota, said those people who had been rejected as possible heirs should be afforded time to appeal the decision.

As such Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister, and five half-siblings – Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson, John Nelson, Omarr Baker and Alfred Jackson – will not be able to make their claim for another year.

It follows claims Universal Music Group was reportedly trying to get out of its multi-million pound deal with Prince’s estate, amid accusations that it was brokered under false pretences.

In February the record label announced a multi-year $31m (£24m) deal with Prince’s estate and his label, NPG Records, but is now said to be demanding that the deal is cancelled and the money returned.