As Lisa Marie Presley celebrates her twins’ first birthday, the only child of Elvis holds her precious baby daughters close, cherishing them as if she’ll never let them go.

She admits in an exclusive interview with New Idea that her beautiful children and the tremendous support she has had from her husband Michael Lockwood have been the light in a very dark year. The star was heartbroken and overcome with grief when faced with the death of her former husband Michael Jackson in June.

Lisa Marie reveals how Michael’s tragic and untimely passing had a profound effect on her and why she’s struggled to come to terms with the death of one of her dearest friends.

It’s been a tough few months for Lisa Marie, but she was determined for her twins to have a lovely first birthday on October 7.

As the granddaughters of rock’n’roll royalty, one might have expected an extravagant affair. But as these family photos show, the day couldn’t have been more low-key or intimate. 'We had a small family gathering – simple and not too overwhelming,’ Lisa Marie says.

Congratulations on the twins’ first birthday. How has the year been for Finley and Harper?
They are very easy babies. They are polar opposites, which is nice. Finley’s very raw and expressive with her emotions – you have no question how she feels about something, whether it’s elation or aggravation. She’s also very affectionate and sweet. Harper is more reserved and refined. She is very delicate, sensitive and much more serious than her sister. They both have such a sweetness about them.

We want desperately to preserve their purity, love and trust for as long as we can before people and life cause the inevitable souring and contamination. It is incredible that we all start out so pure, so genuine, happy and trusting.

Is being a mum different now from when you had your first children – Riley, now 20, and Ben, 17?
Whether I was in my 20s or now, I have loved being a mum. It is the most rewarding and enriching role I have played. My children have in turn given me life and stability. It’s nice doing it again, though, because I’m wiser and much more focused. Ben and Riley adore the babies and are so great with them.

You were in Europe when Michael Jackson died. How did it affect you?
There have been so many layers of grief in Michael’s death – so many different aspects and angles that have at times overwhelmed me, which I am still dealing with. I am incredibly fortunate that I have an amazing husband who’s been unbelievably understanding and supportive throughout.

He has cried with me. He has left me alone to cry if that’s what I needed. He has let me talk his ears off. He has listened while I talk others’ ears off without annoyance or complaints. I have never met a more selfless and supportive person. That, along with the fact I’ve been writing songs throughout, has helped.

There were reports Ben had signed a multimillion-dollar recording contract and was starting a music career.
Do they even sign million-dollar record deals anymore? Nothing about this story is true. I’ve kept him out of the limelight for 17 years. Ben loves music – he plays the bass and maybe one day he may decide to follow a path in music. But that won’t happen any time very soon. He’s still in school and has many interests. I will support him in whatever he does.

Riley is a very successful model. How do you feel about her chosen career?
Riley has made me very proud as well. She’s been successful in any endeavour she has set out to do, without using the family name. She continues to surprise me with her many talents and gifts. She has my full support as well.

You’re currently staying in the UK and have expressed a dislike of Los Angeles, where you have a home. So where do you see yourself, Michael and the kids settling?
Ah, yes, my dislike for LA. The city has really gotten dramatically worse in the last five or six years – it’s even more shallow, if that’s even possible. I can honestly say I’m the only person who came to England for the weather! I love the cold and the rain.

To answer your question, we have fallen in love with the UK and it’s our hope that we  live here some day.