Prince to undergo a hip replacement

Pint-sized pop legend Prince is set to undergo a secret hip replacement at the age of 49 - after years of crippling dance routines, it has been claimed.

The 'Purple Rain' star would reportedly develop a severe limp and have to use a walking stick without surgery.

So the pop star, full name Prince Rogers Nelson, is booking himself into a private hospital. Aides are keeping his diary clear for two months to recover—but they're not letting on why he cannot work in that time.

During the op, scheduled to last 2 hours, Prince will have the ball and socket of his damaged hip taken out and titanium replacements cemented in.

A source said: "For months Prince has complained of pain every time he moves.

"He is totally crushed as he knows he will never be the same again."

One legal expert said: "The op won't stop him dancing. But if he does anything too vigorous—for example the splits—the new joint may become displaced."