Mary Austin, the softly-spoken working-class girl, may have appeared to be an unlikely match for the flamboyant frontman of Queen, Freddie Mercury, but she held an important role in his life. Mary's presence in Freddie's life extended far beyond the glitz and glamor of the stage that started , from their early days together until his untimely death in 1991.
Mary Austin's real-life story that has been portrayed by actress Lucy Boynton in the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody," shows the enduring bond she shared with the legendary singer. Mary still resides in the West London mansion where Freddie Mercury passed away due to AIDS-related complications in 1991,.
Only last year, Mary Austin made the emotional decision to remove tributes to the late singer that adorned their shared space. Now, she is preparing to part with a significant portion of Freddie's personal items in a high-profile auction, shedding light on their remarkable history together.
Their relationship was so profound that at one point, Freddie Mercury proposed to Mary Austin, and he bequeathed her half of his staggering £75 million estate, which included the magnificent £25 million Georgian mansion in Kensington.
While their romantic involvement eventually came to an end, their friendship endured. Freddie first encountered Mary in 1969, five years after he had moved to England. At the age of 24, fresh out of art college, Freddie found love with the 19-year-old Mary, who was working in a West London fashion boutique.
They began their journey together in a small flat near Kensington Market, where Freddie and Queen drummer Roger Taylor had a clothes stall. During this time, with Mary constantly by his side, Freddie's sexuality was not seriously questioned, despite rumors that swirled.
Freddie's love for Mary was evident when he dedicated the song 'Love Of My Life' to her and proposed in 1973. However, the complexities of his sexuality began to surface, leading to affairs with men. In 1976, Freddie reportedly disclosed to Mary that he was bisexual, but she candidly expressed her belief that he was gay, not bisexual.
Their romantic relationship ended, and Mary moved into a nearby flat, while Freddie began hosting extravagant parties. Nevertheless, Mary remained a close and trusted friend, even working for his management company.
Mary Austin's continued presence in Freddie Mercury's life shows the depth of their connection, transcending romantic involvements and evolving into a profound friendship. As her decision to part with his personal items at auction draws near, the world is reminded of the significant role she played in the life of a music legend whose legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
