Michael Jackson’s son Prince Michael insists he had a ‘really normal’ childhood with the late singer as living an ‘extravagance’ lifestyle was all he knew.
Jackson, who died in 2009 aged 50, was father to three children; Prince, 24, Paris, 23, and Bigi, 19.
Prince appeared on Thursday’s Good Morning Britain to discuss the return of the Thriller Halloween event, which is held in memory of the late singer and to raise money for disadvantaged children.
When asked what it was like growing up in the spotlight, Prince told presenters Charlotte Hawkins and Adil Ray: ‘Human beings are very resilient and I think a lot of people always expect the answer to be very extravagant or different but that’s how I was raised and that’s all I knew so that was really normal for me.
But when it comes to the foundation and Michael Jackson, he is inextricably tied to the foundation because of the positive experiences he gave me and that he made an effort to give me in my childhood, really resonated and stuck with me and clearly made a positive impact on my life and I would like to be able to share that with the world.
‘There’s so many messages about leading with love and putting your best foot forward, turning the other cheek, that I feel gets a little lost in translation especially with my generation, the younger generation, but it’s still so important and essential to leading happy lives.’
He added: ‘I’m grateful and honoured that I got to spend the time with him that I did and soak up as much information that I could from him.’
Prince went on to reveal that he ‘hears Jackson’s voice in his head’ encouraging him to continue with the philanthropy.
He also confirmed that he’s still in touch with his siblings Paris and Bigi despite their hectic individual lives.
‘Of course when we were growing up, my father would say you could have nothing but you have family and the people in this room,’ he told the hosts.
‘We have such a close relationship and because i’m the oldest my father would always say I have to make sure I’m leading by example.
Prince continued: ‘After his passing and us being thrown into the real world, my siblings unfortunately pick up the slack that I left behind. We’re all siblings and we’re all on the same level…
‘I would always want to be there more [time spent with them], sometimes life gets in the way, but any moment I get to spend with my siblings now, every moment that I get with them, any little family dinner and family outing I get to spend with them.’
Prince also confirmed that he is still close with his grandmother Katherine Jackson and sees her once a week.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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