Prime Time played out with a lovely tribute to Prince last night

THE WORLD IS mourning Prince’s death at the age of 57.

Prince death PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

RTÉ went big with the tributes last evening, with a subtle reference popping up in the weather forecast.

The most unexpected though, was when Prime Time played out to the strains of Purple Rain, as the studio lights turned purple.

With no mention of Prince throughout the whole programme, it came as a bit of a surprise to the audience

Nice touch by #PrimeTime closing out with a bit of #Prince Purple Rain on the day that's in it
— Keith Webster (@keithwebs) April 21, 2016

Keith Webster / Twitter

Nice touch by @RTE_PrimeTime to finish tonights programme with 'Purple Rain ' #PurpleRain #RIPPrince #rtept
— Shay Bourke (@shay_bourke) April 21, 2016

Shay Bourke / Twitter

Very classy end to @RTE_PrimeTime tonight. Lovely gesture, nicely done. #RIPPrince #rtept
— Simon Maher (@Simon8Radio) April 21, 2016

Simon Maher / Twitter

Nice tribute to @prince at end of #rtept - out of nowhere.
— Declan Varley (@declanvarley) April 21, 2016

Declan Varley / Twitter

Nice nod by RTE to #Prince playing out Prime Time lights and music to Purple Rain #rtept
— Ronan O'Dulaing (@rodulaing) April 21, 2016

Ronan O'Dulaing / Twitter

Aw! @RTE_PrimeTime just played out to the strains of Purple Rain. Nice touch #RIPPrince
— Deirdre Walsh (@DeirdreWalsh1) April 21, 2016

Deirdre Walsh / Twitter

Written by Nicola Byrne and posted on DailyEdge.ie

With no mention of Prince throughout the whole programme, it came as a bit of a surprise to the audience

Read: Legendary musician Prince dead at 57>

Read: 9 lovely memories Irish people have of Prince>