Michael Jackson to lie in state

MICHAEL JACKSON's body will be put on show so fans can pay their last respects.

The King of Pop will be placed in a glass coffin and taken by white horse-drawn carriage to his Neverland ranch on Friday.

His body will then go on display before a private funeral is held on Sunday.

Jackson fans - expected to turn up in their thousands - will be invited to pay their respects to the star, who died from a suspected heart attack last Thursday aged 50.

A source close to the Jackson family said they want Michael to "look like a prince" with the carriage set to be the focal point in part of the star's last journey.

Vast crowds are expected to watch his coffin being driven through the streets of Los Angeles, starting at 10am local time tomorrow.

A 30-car motorcade will then make the 130-mile drive to the remote 2,800-acre site of Neverland in Santa Barbara County.

There he will lie in state for public viewing before being buried there.

The source said: "The family want to give him a really special send off. Thursday will be his final, grand journey from Los Angeles to Neverland. Friday will be the big public event, with fans able to pay their respects.

"Michael always said Neverland kept him young. It seems fitting. On Sunday there will be a memorial service for his family and close friends to mourn in private."

Jackson's family delayed making funeral plans until they heard the results of their private autopsy on his body.

The source added: "At least they now feel ready to move on and put Michael to rest."