Montserrat Caballe, who took opera into the pop charts by singing "Barcelona" with Freddie Mercury three decades ago, died aged 85 on Saturday.

The Spanish soprano had been in ill health for a number of years.

Officials say she was admitted to hospital in Barcelona in mid-September.

Caballe performed more than 200 times at the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house in Barcelona.

They described her as "one of the most important sopranos in history".

Spain's royal family called her "the great lady of the opera, a legend of universal culture, the best among the best".

Caballe released the song "Barcelona" with the Queen frontman Mercury in 1987.

Caballe's almost 60-year international career took her from Basel to New York and beyond.

The Royal Opera House in London, where Caballe sang on a number of occasions expressed its condolences, saying she had "inspired millions".

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez will attend Cabelle's funeral, which will be held on Monday.