The 66-year-old follows in the footsteps of movie directors Woody Allen and Pedro Almodovar, both of whom have previously won the award.

Eight Prince Of Asturias awards are handed out annually to achievers in the arts, science, sports and humanities.

Jose Llado Fernandez-Urrutia, president of the prize’s panel of judges, says: “He’s a living legend of popular music. He’s considered one of the most important figures of song, a form in which he combines, in a majestic way, the beauty of his poetry and ethical commitment. For this reason, his music and message have had an outstanding influence on several generations of young people.”