Mary Austin, Freddie Mercury’s former fiancée who has spent years safeguarding his legacy: ‘Our love was much more powerful than I ever realized’
The main heir to the rock icon’s estate recently published ‘A Life in Lyrics,’ a collection of handwritten lyrics and personal photographs by the Queen frontman. In a conversation with EL PAÍS, she says she wants the rest of her life to revolve around his memory and ‘the extraordinary person he was’
Mary Austin, Freddie Mercury's first partner and former fiancée, resides in Garden Lodge, the historic west London home she inherited from Mercury. The residence, adorned with Japanese art and a grand Yamaha piano, serves as a museum to Mercury's legacy. Austin, now 75, is introverted and has limited public appearances. She recently published a book detailing her relationship with Mercury and his creative process.
The book includes original handwritten lyrics from Queen's hit songs. Austin first met Mercury in 1970, and they lived together for eight years, with her covering most household expenses. Their relationship saw Mercury writing many of Queen's iconic songs, including Bohemian Rhapsody and Killer Queen. Over time, their bond cooled, but Austin considers a line from the song "Lily of the Valley" prophetic.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
