Janet Jackson 'looking after Michael's kids'

Rex Features

Janet Jackson has reportedly emerged as chief carer of her late brother Michael's children.

The pop superstar's will named his 79-year-old mother Katherine Jackson as the primary guardian of Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11 and 7-year-old Blanket upon his death.

But it is feared that Katherine Jackson is too old to raise the youngsters, The Mirror reports.

Meanwhile, Janet has become very close to the three children.

A family friend told OK!: "She has been their rock. It’s clear to everyone that they are looking to her for comfort and guidance.

"They just melt in her arms when she walks into the house. All three want Janet to read to them at night."

Jackson's 2002 will also stated that he wanted friend Diana Ross to bring up the children if Katherine was unable to do so. However, the singer's spiritual adviser Rev June Gatlin revealed that Jackson had since changed his mind.

Rev Gatlin said: "On April 13, we discussed if anything happens he wanted his mother to have his children. And if anything happened with his mother then he wanted Janet to have his children.

"Michael loved his sister. Michael trusted his sister explicitly."

A court case concerning the custody of Jackson’s children is to be held on Monday. Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe is expected to attend.