Jackson's Kids in Better Spirits at Post-Memorial Reception

USMagazine, Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 6:42am (PDT)

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.

See photos from Michael Jackson's memorial

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

CLICK HERE FOR A TIMELINE AND VIDEO OF THE MEMORIAL

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.