We’ve loved his music, reveled in his style and been 100% complicit as Prince bewitched us all with an inimitable spirit that will live on forever.
One man who witnessed the power of Prince first hand is renowned fashion designer Matthew Williamson, who met the singer at his LFW Spring/Summer 08 catwalk show, where Prince was due to perform.
This is what happened:
'I met prince in 2008 as he wanted to perform at my show at LFW as his girlfriend at the time, Chelsea Rodgers, was a fan of my work.
He didn't rehearse, and came moments before his performance at the show as I was greeting Anna Wintour back stage.
He sat in my audience moments before the show began next to Trudi Styler and my dad! As the beat kicked in, he got up from his seat and performed his track down the length of my catwalk as the models and I looked on through the monitor backstage in complete awe.
The audience was amazed to be in the presence of such a legend and nobody expected it. It was a once in a lifetime surprise for all.
Later that night he came to my after party briefly, and invited me to his O2 gig the next night. He was incredible on stage and after the show he was playful, upbeat and a true gentleman. I'll never forget this moment and he will always be in my mind a musical legend and a kind, fun loving man.'
Watch the moment, in all its unbridled glory below...
READ MORE: Prince: Remembering His Most Iconic Fashion Moments