In their first public appearance since Jackson's memorial service, Prince, 12, and Paris, 11, dressed in black suits with red armbands, an outfit which Jackson often wore.

Although nervous, they spoke clearly and with great composure as they paid tribute to their father, who died last June.

Prince said: "We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson.

"First of all, we would like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months, and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support.

"We would also like to thank the fans - our father loved you so much because you were always there for him.

"Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. Through all his hard work and dedication he has helped many charities and donated to all of them.

"Through all his songs, his message was simple - love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you."

The siblings were surrounded by their cousins on stage at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, where Jackson was in final rehearsals for his tour when he died.

Paris followed her brother to the podium and said simply: "Daddy was supposed to be here. Daddy was going to perform this year. He couldn't perform last year.

"Thank you, we love you, Daddy."

An Earth Song video which Jackson intended to show during his tour was played at the awards as a backdrop to a tribute performance by Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson, Usher and Carrie Underwood.