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Family prepare for Jackson burial Family prepare for Jackson burial
(10 minutes later)
Michael Jackson's family are preparing for the late pop star's private funeral at a cemetery in Los Angeles. Michael Jackson's family are preparing for the late pop star's private funeral at a cemetery outside Los Angeles.
Few details are known of the ceremony at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, more than two months after Jackson died of a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs. Vehicles are beginning to arrive at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale ahead of the 45-minute service, due to begin at 0300 BST.
Security is tight and police have urged the singer's fans not to turn up. 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.
Some 200 guests are expected to attend the sunset funeral service.
"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'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.
Some 200 guests are expected to attend the sunset funeral service, to commence at 0300 BST.
MournersMourners
Close friends Diana Ross and Brooke Shields are reported to be among the mourners who will be in attendance.Close friends Diana Ross and Brooke Shields are reported to be among the mourners who will be in attendance.
It has also been reported that soul legend Aretha Franklin will sing at the 45-minute service, and that his three children will leave notes on their father's coffin. It has also been reported that soul legend Aretha Franklin will sing at the service, and that his three children will leave notes on their father's coffin.
Celebrity website TMZ is reporting that the Jackson family are now travelling from their home in Encino in a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms.Celebrity website TMZ is reporting that the Jackson family are now travelling from their home in Encino in a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms.
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.
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.
Jackson will join a long list of stars who are buried at the cemeteryJackson will join a long list of stars who are buried at the cemetery
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.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions