Los Angeles: Prince was suffering from AIDS before being found dead last week and had refused treatment because he believed he could be cured by prayer, it has been claimed.

A file pic from February 4, 2007 of Prince performing at Super Bowl in Miami. Pic/AFP

The Purple Rain singer, who was a Jehovah's Witness, was diagnosed with the crippling condition just six months before he passed away, sources told the National Enquirer.