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Family arrive at Jackson funeral Private Jackson funeral under way
(20 minutes later)
Michael Jackson's family have arrived for the late pop star's private funeral at a cemetery outside Los Angeles. The funeral service of singer Michael Jackson has begun at a cemetery outside Los Angeles, more than an hour later than originally scheduled.
The late pop star's casket was driven to the ceremony shortly after his family arrived for the private event.
His mother Katherine, sister Janet, his children and other relatives arrived in a motorcade of 31 vehicles.His mother Katherine, sister Janet, his children and other relatives arrived in a motorcade of 31 vehicles.
Mourners have been waiting for over an hour at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale for the delayed service, which was due to begin at 0200 GMT. The service had been due to begin at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale at 0200 GMT.
Michael Jackson's father Joe was among those already present, along with his ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley. Michael Jackson's father Joe is among those present, along with his ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley.
Dame Elizabeth Taylor, comedian Chris Tucker and others were pictured arriving at the event. Jackson's children arrived with the rest of the late singer's family
Guests present include the veteran civil rights campaigner Reverend Al Sharpton and actor Macaulay Culkin. Dame Elizabeth Taylor, comedian Chris Tucker, civil rights campaigner Reverend Al Sharpton and actor Macaulay Culkin are also attending.
Some 200 guests are attending the funeral service, which is taking place outside Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum. Some 200 guests are at the funeral service, which is taking place outside Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum.
Few details are known of the ceremony, which comes more than two months after Jackson died of a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs at the age of 50. Few details are known about the ceremony, which comes more than two months after Jackson died of a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs at the age of 50.
Jackson is to be buried at Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum, a neo-classical building inspired by the Campo Santo in Genoa.Jackson is to be buried at Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum, a neo-classical building inspired by the Campo Santo in Genoa.
His casket is believed to be already at the cemetery. Expenses
"Extraordinary" funeral costs will be covered by Jackson's estate after lawyers for his mother Katherine asked a judge to sign off on the expenses."Extraordinary" funeral costs will be covered by Jackson's estate after lawyers for his mother Katherine asked a judge to sign off on the expenses.
The atmosphere outside the singer's funeral is calm and the crowds are absent Peter Bowes, BBC News Jackson cemetery 'peaceful'
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff authorised the estate to pay for the burial.Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff authorised the estate to pay for the burial.
Attorney Jeryll Cohen said: "The expenses are extraordinary. However, Michael Jackson was extraordinary."Attorney Jeryll Cohen said: "The expenses are extraordinary. However, Michael Jackson was extraordinary."
Mr Cohen said one of the reasons that costs were so high is because 12 burial plots have been bought, though it has not been revealed what purpose they will serve.Mr Cohen said one of the reasons that costs were so high is because 12 burial plots have been bought, though it has not been revealed what purpose they will serve.
Last week Jackson's death was ruled to be a homicide by the Los Angeles coroner.Last week Jackson's death was ruled to be a homicide by the Los Angeles coroner.
The Reverend Al Sharpton (left) is among the mourners The Reverend Al Sharpton (left) was among the first mourners to arrive
The verdict increases the chances of criminal charges being brought, although no one has been named a suspect.The verdict increases the chances of criminal charges being brought, although no one has been named a suspect.
Jackson, known for such hits as Bad, Thriller and Smooth Criminal, was originally due to be buried on 29 August - which would have been his 51st birthday.Jackson, known for such hits as Bad, Thriller and Smooth Criminal, was originally due to be buried on 29 August - which would have been his 51st birthday.
However, the date was pushed back to allow more time for the planning of the ceremony.However, the date was pushed back to allow more time for the planning of the ceremony.
Jackson joins a long list of famous stars who have also been buried in the Forest Lawn cemetery.Jackson joins a long list of famous stars who have also been buried in the Forest Lawn cemetery.
Screen stars Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and Clark Gable have all been laid to rest there.Screen stars Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and Clark Gable have all been laid to rest there.
What is your reaction to the death of Michael Jackson? Are you marking the day of the funeral? Tell us your thoughts by filling in the form below.What is your reaction to the death of Michael Jackson? Are you marking the day of the funeral? Tell us your thoughts by filling in the form below.
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