Michael Jackson laid to rest

Sep 4, 2009, 9:23 GMT

Michael Jackson has been buried.

The late 'King of Pop' was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park last night (03.09.09), in a ceremony attended by his family and a host of celebrity friends.

Among the stars who paid their last respects were Elizabeth Taylor, Macaulay Culkin and girlfriend Mila Kunis, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Rev. Al Sharpton, Corey Feldman, Kenny Ortega and Michael's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley.

The service was due to start at 7pm, but guests were kept waiting by Michael's family.

Their cars did not start the journey to the service until 7.30pm, with the ceremony finally getting underway around two hours later than planned.

Michael's children Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - also known as 'Blanket' - arrived with his parents Joe and Katherine.

They spent time with their father's casket before the service began, putting a crown on it in reference to his 'King of Pop' moniker.

The children sat in the front row, with a picture of the 'Bad' singer in front of them and lilies and roses decorating the stage.

As with the memorial service held at Los Angeles' Staples Center in July, his brothers - Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, Tito and Jackie - each wore one sparkly glove as a tribute.

Michael's sisters Janet, La Toya and Rebbie were also in attendance.

Gladys sang 'His Eye Is On The Sparrow', while songwriter Clifton Davis performed Jackson 5 song 'Never Can Say Goodbye'.

After the ceremony, the Jackson brothers carried the gold coffin into the Great Mausoleum.

The family released a statement saying: "The Jackson Family wishes to once again thank all of Michael's fans around the world for their generous outpouring of support during this terribly difficult time. Their expressions of love for Michael and his music have sustained the Jackson Family."

After the service, it is understood some of the mourners travelled to Pasadena's Villa Sorriso eatery.

Michael died aged 50 on June 25 of acute Propofol intoxication.