Music icon Prince has been posthumously awarded a doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota.

President of the educational institution, Eric Kaler, told press that the university was planning on honouring the legend during his lifetime, but unfortunately that moment never came. Prince has been awarded the doctorate for "eminence in cultural affairs, in public service or in a field of knowledge and scholarship."

A statement explains: "As Minnesotans and people around the world celebrate Prince's life and contributions in each of these categories, the university believes the appropriate action is to continue the process and consider awarding the honorary degree posthumously,"

As previously reported, the governor of Minnesota Mark Dayton recently declared that June 7 will now be known as Prince day in the state. He said:  "Prince was the creator of ‘The Minneapolis sound’, a contribution not only to the catalogue of music genres, but to Minnesota’s worldwide prominence and its economic growth."

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook. 

Watch footage of Prince in action here: