Prince's friends and family hold private memorial service to mark pop star's passing

Prince's friends and family have held a private memorial for the music superstar after his body was cremated.

The private ceremony was held at the Purple Rain star's Paisley Park estate near Minneapolis.

Prince's sister Tyka Nelson and brother-in-law Maurice Nelson attended the service.

Percussionist Sheila E and bassist Larry Graham were also among the mourners.

Flowers from inside Paisley Park were handed out to fans gathered outside the estate.

Some fans received purple gift boxes containing Prince memorabilia.

Thousands of fans have been flocking to Paisley Park and other sites made famous by Prince since his death.

One woman who attended the memorial said the event was "for family, some former band-mates and staff".

"It was actually a party," she said. "People danced and ate."

Meanwhile, actor Will Smith revealed he was one of the last people to speak to Prince the night before the pop star's death.

Writing on Facebook, the actor said: "Jada & I mourn with all of you the loss of a beautiful poet, a true inspiration, and one of the most magnificent artists to ever grace this earth."

Prince, 57, was found by staff members on Thursday morning.

Police are investigating whether foul play was involved after saying that he had not committed suicide.

The singer's body was cremated and the "final storage" of his remains will be private, his publicist Yvette Noel-Schure said.