Just In: Jackson’s Kids in Better Spirits at Post-Memorial Reception

After Tuesday’s somber memorial for their father, Michael Jackson‘s three children seemed to be in better sprits at a reception immediately following the service.

Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, all sat in the “VIP” area at a kid’s table that included all the Jackson cousins and relatives in The Grand Ballroom at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

There were around 15 kids at the table, with ages ranging from 7-17. (Blanket was probably the youngest in the group.)

Jackson‘s children seemed very close with their cousins, as they all were playing and goofing around.

At one point, Prince Michael pulled out his cell phone. It looked like he was playing a game on it; he then passed it along to one of his cousins.

Blanket – who appeared overwhelmed at the memorial – was in a much better mood. He looked like he was having so much fun chasing around his cousins. The boy – whose hair is almost down to his waist and whose front tooth is missing – appeared playful at the reception, tickling his cousins and tapping others on the shoulder and then running away.

Paris also seemed to be in a better mood. She hugged her cousins and chatted with guests.

At one point, someone brought over the program from the memorial and all three of the kids — including some of the cousins — gathered around to look at the pictures.

Jackson‘s children seemed really poised and polite as they shook guests’ hands and chatted with them. People were coming up and shaking Prince Michael‘s hand a lot. The kids interacted extremely naturally with each other.

Grace Rwaramba, Jackson‘s former nanny, was overheard saying: “The kids are holding up really well. It’s good for them to be around the other kids.”

The reception featured a classical music quartet that played softly onstage. (Food included mini cheeseburgers, spanakopita, mini crab cakes, vegetable plates, cheese plates and fruit.)

Todd Bridges, Corey Feldman, Chris Tucker, Brooke Shields, Wesley Snipes, Rev. Al Sharpton, Kim Porter, Mariah Carey, Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee and Anil Kapoor from Slumdog Millionaire were among the guests.

Usher pretty much kept to himself and still looked sad.

As for Jackson‘s siblings, Latoya made the rounds at the reception, greeting guests. Janet did not really interact with her family, only to chat with sister Latoya momentarily. (Both ladies kept their sunglasses on the entire time.) Janet also carried around Blanket‘s Michael Jackson doll for him. (Her beau Jermaine Dupri did not attend.)

Joe and Katherine Jackson briefly chatted up Brooke Shields, who was smiling but still mourning as her eyes were red.

Jermaine Jackson talked to family members and hugged a lot of the guests.

At the end of the evening, a few guests took photos with Wesley Snipes, Usher and even Joe Jackson.

Feldman, still dressed in his bizarre Michael Jackson outfit, gave Joe Jackson a hug and a handshake on the way out.

Michael‘s three kids left with Katherine Jackson, who remains their temporary guardian until a July 13 court hearing.

Source: US Weekly

Just In: Michael Jackson Memorial Photos

The Michael Jackson Memorial Photos: The Coffin, The Brochure, The Kids, The Hearse & More…

It’s over. The funeral and the memorial service for the King of Pop have occurred and the Jackson family had their own private luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

It was beautiful, moving, well coordinated and produced. Wonderful performances and eloquent speeches echoed the sentiments of most of the world. Somber but still warm and loving, it was a respectable and fitting tribute.

You’ll be able to see broadcasts and videos of Mariah Carey, Trey, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, John Mayer and the other performers and speakers, along with his daughter’s heartbreaking comments, played over and over again online, on YouTube, on tv, etc.

But let’s face it, what you really want to see is that coffin, his kids, the brochure and other little incidentals. I’ve got those here for you, thanks to the AP and Getty images.

The Tickets:

The Memorial Brochure Cover:

The back of the memorial brochure:

A sad, Joe Jackson leaving his Encino home, heading for Forest Lawn Cemetery early yesterday morning:

The Motorcade consisted of black Cadillac Escalades, black Ford Explorers and black Rolls Royces:

The Hearse:

The motorcade leaving Forest Lawn cemetery on their way to the Staples Center:

On the freeway:

A good look at that gold-plated Casket (Coffin):

Above and below: The Promethean velvet-lined model by the Batesville Casket Company. Rumor has it that, Michael Jackson ordered it for himself, after seeing that James Brown was buried in the same years ago. It’s a $25,000, solid bronze, 14-karat gold-plated, custom casket.

The pallbearers, those of whom were the Jackson Brothers, each wore a single white sequined glove:

Above: From left: Randy, Tito, Marlon, Jackie and Jermaine

Above: a tender moment as brother Jermaine tosses a rose onto Michael’s casket while singing “Smile”.

The Children: Paris, Prince and Blanket:

Above: Michael Jackson’s children, Paris Michael Katherine, Prince Michael II (aka Blanket) and Michael Joseph Jr. (aka Prince Michael).

Above: Janet (L) and La Toya (R) with Prince Michael Jackson II (Blanket) and Paris Jackson

Above: the heartbreaking and unexpected speech from Paris Jackson

Rev. Al Sharpton (nice eulogy, by the way):

Yes, it’s true, Corey Feldman donned his “Michael Jackson” costume:

Above: A Michael Jackson mural with fan’s signatures stands in front of the Staples Center.

Above: A Michael Jackson impersonator poses outside at the public memorial service at the Staples Center.

See a video of the memorial in its entirety here.