This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8235660.stm

The article has changed 19 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Pop legend Michael Jackson buried Pop legend Michael Jackson buried
(about 2 hours later)
Friends and family of Michael Jackson have paid their last respects to the man known as the King of Pop at a funeral ceremony outside Los Angeles. Friends and family of Michael Jackson have paid their last respects to the singer known as the King of Pop at a funeral ceremony outside Los Angeles.
The late pop star's casket was driven to the ceremony shortly after his family arrived for the private event. Dame Elizabeth Taylor, actor Macaulay Culkin and music producer Quincy Jones were among the 200 invited guests.
His mother Katherine, sister Janet, his children and other relatives arrived in a motorcade of 31 vehicles. Gladys Knight sang at the service while civil rights campaigner the Reverend Al Sharpton was one of the speakers.
The service was due to begin at 0200 GMT at Glendale's Forest Lawn Memorial Park but began more than an hour late. The ceremony was due to begin at 0200 GMT at Glendale's Forest Lawn Memorial Park but began more than an hour late.
Michael Jackson's father Joe was among those present, along with his ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley. The delay was caused by the late arrival of the singer's family, who eventually arrived in a motorcade of 31 vehicles.
Jackson's children arrived with the rest of the late singer's family Jackson's brothers - Randy, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon - acted as pallbearers as his gold-plated coffin was removed from a hearse.
Dame Elizabeth Taylor, comedian Chris Tucker, civil rights campaigner Reverend Al Sharpton and actor Macaulay Culkin were also in attendance. The singer's gold-plated casket was adorned with flowers
Some 200 guests were at the funeral service, which took place outside Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum. All were dressed identically in black suits, with each wearing a solitary white glove - a fashion statement made famous by their legendary sibling.
Few details are known about the ceremony itself, which came more than two months after Jackson died of a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs at the age of 50. The singer's children - Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - sat in the front row next to his parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson.
Jackson is to be interred at Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum, a neo-classical building inspired by the Campo Santo in Genoa. Comedian Chris Tucker, producer Berry Gordy and Lisa Marie Presley, Jackson's ex-wife, also attended.
Expenses The service took place after dark in the open air outside Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum.
"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. It came more than two months after Jackson died of a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs at the age of 50.
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."
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.
Janet Jackson (right) was escorted to her seat by a funeral usher 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. Security
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. A statement from the Jackson family said the pop star's casket was interred at 2143 local time (0443 GMT).
"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," the statement read.
Jackson's family and mourners are attending a post-funeral reception at an Italian restaurant in nearby Pasadena.
Security was tight ahead of the ceremony, with fans and media kept away by a heavy security presence.
Dame Elizabeth Taylor was among the 200 invited guests
Police had cordoned off roads leading to the Forest Lawn site throughout the day.
A live TV feed was provided of the guests arriving, though the footage ceased once the service began.
Jackson, known for such hits as Bad, Thriller and Smooth Criminal, was originally due to be buried on 29 August on what 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.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions