Mary Austin Reflects on Freddie Mercury's Life and Love

Mary Austin, the former girlfriend and lifelong confidante of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, has opened up about their profound relationship, describing him as "the love of my life." In an interview conducted in 2022, Austin revealed the emotional difficulty she faced when opening a trunk containing Mercury's handwritten song lyrics, packed in the mid-1980s. These lyrics included those for iconic hits such as "Don't Stop Me Now," "Killer Queen," "We Are the Champions," and "Bohemian Rhapsody." Austin found it too painful to look at the lyrics initially, feeling as though she was intruding on Mercury's personal belongings, a sentiment she held when she first packed them away. She eventually enlisted her two sons to help her sort through these "treasures."

Austin's reflections come nearly 40 years after Mercury's death and in the week he would have celebrated his 80th birthday. She recounts their early relationship, which began when Mercury was still an aspiring musician and Austin was his shy girlfriend who initially dreamed of marriage. Their relationship evolved as they both came to understand Mercury's sexual orientation, with Austin acknowledging that he ultimately preferred men. Despite this, their bond remained exceptionally strong, with Austin serving as his closest confidante and supporter throughout his career and personal life.

Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, was the lead singer of the British rock band Queen, formed in 1970. The band achieved global superstardom with hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "Another One Bites the Dust." Mercury's flamboyant stage presence and powerful vocal range made him one of the most iconic figures in rock music history. He passed away on November 24, 1991, at the age of 45, due to complications from AIDS.

Mary Austin met Freddie Mercury in the late 1960s when they were both working in London. Their romantic relationship lasted for several years, but they remained exceptionally close friends until Mercury's death. Austin was a significant source of support for Mercury, and he famously left her a substantial portion of his estate in his will, including his former home, Garden Lodge, in Kensington, London. This enduring connection highlights the unique and deep platonic love that characterized their relationship, transcending romantic boundaries and personal challenges.