The eldest son of Michael Jackson has opened up about his father's 'childlike' nature following the release of the new Michael biopic.
Prince Jackson has reflected on his dad's parenting whilst 'growing up at Neverland' and admits that it's something he would love to emulate.
"As I've gotten older, I've learned that a lot of what I think is normal life is not normal life," the 29-year-old, who is engaged to Molly Schirmang, told Sunrise.
"For us, it was hanging out together as a family, but with the backdrop of elephants and giraffes walking in the background."
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"We spent a lot of time playing board games together, reading books, watching movies. It truly was, and is, magical. It felt like your own personal Disneyland," he added.
Prince called Michael an 'awesome' dad and someone who is 'really fun to just spend time with'.
"But when he played with us, he played with us, you know, he got down, and he was playing with the toys and making up stories," Prince recalled.
"He just had a very childlike nature that was so much fun, always playing pranks on people and stuff."
Prince, the eldest of two siblings Paris, 28, and Bigi, 24, serves as an executive producer on Michael.
The late singer is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, 29, and his cousin says Michael became a surreal watch in more ways than one.
“It was really emotional because I hadn’t seen my dad in a long time,” Prince said.
“My gut reaction was I really just wanted a hug from him. And it felt just like my dad.
“I had to tell Jafar, like, ‘Hey, I love you. I think you’re doing great. But I need to take a moment’.
“I really miss his laughter, his smile, and his grace. He had to deal with so much, and how he was able to navigate it. I wish I could ask him questions about that.”
Prince said the memories that stick with him involve getting woke up at night to 'go under the roof and look at the stars'.
“Sometimes he’d tell me stuff about his life as a child or growing up or what he wants for me as I grow up. Those are the moments that I miss and that I cherish,” he added.
Jackson died on 25 June 2009 from acute propofol intoxication, combined with other sedatives.
His personal physician, Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for improperly giving the drug and failing to provide adequate care.
The Thriller singer's death was ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County coroner.
Topics: Film, Celebrity, Michael Jackson
Anish Vij