30 June,2009 08:30 AM IST | | Agencies
With almost a million mourners from around the world expected to flock to Michael Jackson's funeral, the memorial service could prove even bigger than that of Elvis Presley or Princess Diana.
In 1977, nearly 80,000 fans lined the streets near Elvis Presley's Graceland Estate for his funeral in Tennessee and Princess Diana's 1997 memorial service attracted more than a quarter of a million tearful spectators.
A host of celebrities are expected to attend Jackson's funeral, including Elizabeth Taylor, Paul McCartney, Liza Minnelli, Brooke Shields, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and his ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley.
One senior Los Angeles Police chief said, "We are preparing for an event of historic proportions. We will be cooperating closely with the family once they have decided where to hold the funeral."
The pop legend's body has been given to his family. The family was said to be considering a private burial followed by a public remembrance ceremony to be televised live to a global audience later this week.
Burial?
The family met over the weekend to discuss Jackson's wish to be buried at his now dilapidated Neverland ranch.
The idea is reportedly popular with the company that holds the mortgage on the 1,050-hectare estate.
The ranch has fallen into disrepair and the singer had not lived there since before his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005.
The Rev Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist and a close friend of the family, flew into Los Angeles last night to help the family with their funeral preparations.
He said the family wanted to ensure Jackson's legacy was honoured at the event.
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False reports
Meanwhile, it emerged late last night that the details in the 'leaked' autopsy report of the singer were false.
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A British newspaper had reported that Jackson was bald, weighed just 51 kg and didn't have any food in his stomach, just pills. The coroner's office denied the report.
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Since Jackson's death on Thursday, there have been two autopsies on his body, both inconclusive. The coroner now awaits the toxicology results; these are expected to take a few weeks.
Last night
Jackson spent the last night of his life doing what he had always done: performing. He was rehearsing for his upcoming 50-concert comeback.
1 Million
Number of fans expected at Jackson's funeral. About 80,000 people attended Elvis's funeral and 2,50,000 were at Di's funeral
