King of Pop Michael Jackson left three children

Michael Jackson's mother has applied to court for guardianship of the singer's three children.

The papers were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Katherine Jackson and a hearing has been set for August 3.

The King of Pop left behind three children - 12-year-old Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, known as Prince Michael, 11-year-old Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II.

The filings show that Mrs Jackson is also petitioning to take over the children's estate. Its value is listed as "unknown" in the papers.

The application lists the children as living at the Jacksons' family compound in the San Fernando Valley, north-west of Los Angeles.

"Minor children are currently residing with paternal grandmother," the filing states in an explanation of why Mrs Jackson should be appointed guardian. "They have a long established relationship with paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care."

The filings provide no other declarations by Mrs Jackson, nor do they state whether Michael Jackson left a will.

The filings note that Deborah Rowe is the mother of the Jackson's two eldest children, but list her whereabouts as "unknown". For the King of Pop's third child, known as Blanket, the filing states "None" for the mother.