Saturday, 25 June 2011

You Are Not Alone: Michael Jackson's children find strength in each other on the second anniversary of father's death

By NADIA MENDOZA

Siblings: Prince and Paris look happy and laid-back during their cinema trip
Earlier this week, they were presented with custom-made Michael Jackson memorial motorcycles.

Michael Jackson's children put on a brave face yesterday, just two days before the second anniversary of their father's death.

Prince and Paris' close relationship has helped them heal following the trauma of losing their role model.

The siblings, who bear a striking resemblance to one another, shared a joke and smiled together as they headed to the cinema.

Family friend Marcell 'Porkchop' Miller designed the bikes, plastering them with images of the King of Pop through various stages of his career.

The specially crafted vehicles will be driven through Forrest Lawn cemetery tomorrow to honour the Billie Jean legend.

On June 25, 2009, the award-winning idol died of acute propofol intoxication after he suffered cardiac arrest at his LA home.

Larking about: Prince makes his sister smille as he listens to his iPod in one ear

Jackson's hometown of Gary, Indiana - where he lived until 1969 - are also planning a tribute to mark his passing, and promise to do so every year.

Mayor Rudy Clay said: 'The world can expect a "Tribute to Michael" every year in June in Gary, Indiana. The world is invited.'

Prince and Paris are clearly doing their best to carry on as normal, despite the tragedy. The pair both opted for a casual look, dressing down in jeans and combat trousers, and wearing matching necklaces with identical pendants.

Symbolic? Both Prince and Paris wore matching pendants today

Despite only being 14 and 13 respectively, both teenagers looked older than their years, and could easily pass for 16 or 17.

Their uncanny similarity derives from mother Debbie Rowe, while half-brother Prince Michael II was born from an unknown donor through artificial insemination from a surrogate mother using Jackson's sperm.

Their little brother, usually referred to as Blanket, joined them and their cousins, Jermaine Jackson's children, in Thousand Oaks, California.

Ignoring sunny 21ºC temperatures, the group opted to hide in a cool auditorium instead of relishing the good weather outside.

Blanket, 9, didn't look quite as relaxed as his siblings, but did show off his jovial side with his T-shirt slogan.

The youngest member of the family wore a top with, 'Things for Today: Brush Teeth. Be Awesome' on it.

Tragedy: Paris, Prince and Blanket stand in front of the world during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in LA

source: dailymail