A judge in Minnesota has decided that a woman and girl who claim to be Prince’s niece and grandniece will not be considered heirs of his estate.

Judge Kevin Eide ruled that Brianna Nelson and her niece, Victoria Nelson, are excluded as Prince’s heirs as a matter of law.

rince performs at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
(Chris Pizzello/AP)

The pair claim descent from the late Duane Nelson Sr, who they say was a half-brother to Prince. Court documents indicate Prince’s father was not Duane’s biological father.

The Nelsons argued Minnesota law allowed for a claim because Prince’s father treated Duane Nelson as his son. Eide rejected the argument.

Prince died of a drug overdose on April 21. His estate is worth an estimated $100 million to $300 million (£82m to £246m).