The Enduring Bond Between Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin
Before the life of Mary Austin intersected with the fate of the future rock legend, she was a 19-year-traditional from a modest background. Born in Battersea, London, in 1951, to deaf parents, she learned independence and humility early in life.1, 3 She left school at 15 to help support her family and, by the late 1960s, found work as a saleswoman at Biba, a fashionable boutique in Kensington.2, 3 It was there, amidst the extravagant clothing, that her life took an unexpected turn.
A Chance Encounter at Biba
In 1969, a young man named Freddie Bulsara, later known as Freddie Mercury, visited Biba. He was supplementing his income by selling clothes in nearby Kensington Market alongside Queen drummer Roger Taylor.2, 3 Austin immediately noticed his confident demeanor. “He was like no one I had met before,” she later recalled.3 Mercury was charmed by her shy beauty and arranged a date through a mutual acquaintance, guitarist Brian May.3
Initially, Austin declined his invitation, perhaps wanting to avoid appearing too eager.3 Their first date eventually took place the following day at a Mott the Hoople concert at the Marquee Club in Soho.3 They enjoyed simple pleasures – walking around London and listening to music – a far cry from the luxury that would come with Mercury’s fame.
From Affection to Engagement
Their initial shyness blossomed into affection. “He was very confident, which I never was. We grew up together. I liked him and it grew from there,” Austin described the beginnings of their relationship.3 They moved into a slight studio flat in Kensington in 1970, as Mercury began forming Queen with Brian May and Roger Taylor.3 Austin supported Mercury’s dreams wholeheartedly.
By Christmas 1973, their relationship had deepened, and Mercury proposed with a series of nested boxes, culminating in a ring with a jade stone.3 However, the wedding never materialized. While officially engaged, their relationship faced challenges as Mercury’s career soared and his lifestyle became more extravagant.3 He penned the ballad “Love of My Life” as a testament to his feelings for Austin.3
A Difficult Truth and an Enduring Friendship
After six years together, Austin sensed a growing distance.3 In 1976, Mercury confided in Austin that he was attracted to men.3 “Then he felt great about finally telling me – that he was bisexual,” Austin recounted. “But I remember telling him, ‘No, Freddie. I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay.’”3
Though painful, this honesty marked a turning point. Their romantic relationship ended, but a deeper, more enduring bond was forged. “Although over time it turned from love into something stronger,” wrote journalist Cindy Kerber.4 Austin remained a constant in Mercury’s life, and he often stated she was his only true friend.3 She moved into a flat purchased for her by Mercury and continued to be part of his inner circle.
A Legacy of Love and Trust
Even as Mercury found love with Jim Hutton, he maintained his unique connection with Austin, referring to Hutton as his “husband” and Austin as his “wife.”3 After Mercury’s diagnosis of HIV in 1987, Austin was among the first to know, and she provided unwavering support during his illness.3
In his will, Mercury bequeathed 50% of his estate, including future royalties, to Austin, a testament to her importance in his life.3 She became the legal executor of his estate, a responsibility she continues to uphold.3 She also honored his request to keep the location of his ashes secret, scattering them privately after his death in November 1991.3
Mary Austin Today
Today, Mary Austin resides at Garden Lodge, the London home Mercury left to her.3 She maintains a private life, fiercely protecting Mercury’s legacy and honoring his final wishes.3 Her story is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, friendship, and trust.
Sources:
- 1 People.com
- 2 AmoMama
- 3 ELLE
- 4 Refinery29