Mary Austin is a name that resonates deeply with fans of the iconic rock band Queen. As the long-time partner and closest companion of the legendary Freddie Mercury, Mary Austin has been a figure of fascination and intrigue. Following Freddie Mercury’s untimely passing in 1991, Mary Austin inherited a significant portion of his estate, including his beloved home, Garden Lodge, and a substantial part of his wealth. In this article, we will delve into the life of Mary Austin, her relationship with Freddie Mercury, and what she inherited from the Queen frontman.
Who is Mary Austin?
Mary Austin was born on March 5, 1951, in Fulham, London. She met Freddie Mercury in the early 1970s, and the two quickly formed a close bond. At the time, Freddie Mercury was still in the early stages of his music career, and Mary Austin was working as a shop assistant. As their relationship blossomed, Mary Austin became an integral part of Freddie Mercury’s life, providing emotional support and stability during the tumultuous years of Queen’s rise to fame.
Relationship with Freddie Mercury
The relationship between Mary Austin and Freddie Mercury was complex and multifaceted. While they were romantically involved in the early years, their bond eventually evolved into a deep and abiding friendship. Freddie Mercury often referred to Mary Austin as his “common-law wife,” and she remained his closest confidante until his death. Mary Austin was the one person who could see beyond Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant stage persona and understand the vulnerable and sensitive individual beneath.
Life with Freddie Mercury
During their time together, Mary Austin and Freddie Mercury shared a number of homes, including a flat in Kensington and the infamous Garden Lodge in Notting Hill. Garden Lodge, which Freddie Mercury purchased in 1980, was a grand Victorian mansion that became the couple’s sanctuary and creative hub. The house was a symbol of Freddie Mercury’s success and a testament to his eccentric and artistic personality. Mary Austin played an integral role in designing and decorating the interior of Garden Lodge, which featured a stunning collection of art and antiques.
Freddie Mercury’s Estate and Legacy
Following Freddie Mercury’s passing in 1991, his estate was valued at approximately £10 million. As his closest companion and beneficiary, Mary Austin inherited a significant portion of his wealth, including Garden Lodge and its contents. The will, which was written by Freddie Mercury in 1990, left the majority of his estate to Mary Austin, with smaller bequests to his family and other loved ones.
What Did Mary Austin Inherit?
Mary Austin inherited a number of valuable assets from Freddie Mercury’s estate, including:
Garden Lodge, which was valued at over £1 million at the time of Freddie Mercury’s death
A significant portion of Freddie Mercury’s music catalog and royalties
A collection of art and antiques, including works by renowned artists such as Jim Henson and Diego Rivera
A substantial amount of cash and investments, which were used to establish the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity that supports AIDS research and awareness
The Mercury Phoenix Trust
The Mercury Phoenix Trust was established by Mary Austin and Freddie Mercury’s family in 1992, with the goal of supporting AIDS research and awareness. The trust has raised millions of dollars for charity and has become a lasting tribute to Freddie Mercury’s legacy and philanthropic spirit. Mary Austin has played an active role in the trust, working tirelessly to promote its mission and ensure that Freddie Mercury’s memory continues to inspire and educate future generations.
Life After Freddie Mercury
Following Freddie Mercury’s passing, Mary Austin has maintained a relatively low public profile, preferring to focus on her personal life and charitable work. However, she has made occasional appearances at Queen-related events and has been involved in various projects that celebrate Freddie Mercury’s music and legacy.
Preserving Freddie Mercury’s Legacy
Mary Austin has been instrumental in preserving Freddie Mercury’s legacy, working closely with Queen’s remaining members to ensure that his music and memory continue to inspire and entertain fans around the world. She has also been involved in various exhibitions and projects that showcase Freddie Mercury’s art and artifacts, including a major exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
A Lasting Tribute
In 2018, Mary Austin was involved in the production of the biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which tells the story of Queen’s rise to fame and Freddie Mercury’s life. The film, which stars Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, features a number of scenes that depict the close relationship between Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin. The film was a critical and commercial success, introducing Freddie Mercury’s music and legacy to a new generation of fans.
In conclusion, Mary Austin inherited not only a significant portion of Freddie Mercury’s estate but also his legacy and spirit. As the woman who knew him best, she has played a crucial role in preserving his memory and ensuring that his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world. Through her charitable work and dedication to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, Mary Austin has honored Freddie Mercury’s philanthropic spirit and cemented her place as a vital part of his enduring legacy.
Who is Mary Austin and what was her relationship with Freddie Mercury?
Mary Austin was a longtime companion and partner of the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. The two met in the early 1970s, and their relationship lasted for several years. During this time, Austin became not only Mercury’s romantic partner but also his closest friend and confidante. She played a significant role in supporting Mercury’s career and personal life, often serving as a source of comfort and stability in the midst of the chaos that came with being a rock star.
Austin’s relationship with Mercury was deeply personal and emotional, and she was one of the few people who truly understood him. Despite their eventual breakup, the two remained extremely close, and Austin continued to be a vital part of Mercury’s life. In fact, Mercury often referred to Austin as his “common-law wife,” and she was the first person he would turn to in times of need. Their bond was rooted in a deep affection and trust, and Austin’s presence in Mercury’s life helped to bring a sense of normalcy and balance to his otherwise extraordinary existence.
How did Mary Austin inherit Freddie Mercury’s legacy and fortune?
When Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, he left behind a vast fortune and a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come. In his will, Mercury stated that he wanted Mary Austin to inherit the majority of his estate, including his mansion, Garden Lodge, and the majority of his wealth. This decision was not surprising, given the close bond that the two had shared for so many years. Austin was deeply saddened by Mercury’s passing, but she was also determined to honor his memory and protect his legacy.
As the beneficiary of Mercury’s estate, Austin has worked tirelessly to preserve his memory and ensure that his music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of fans. She has been involved in various projects, including the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which told the story of Mercury’s life and career. Austin has also been instrumental in managing Mercury’s image and intellectual property, working to ensure that his music and likeness are used in a way that is respectful and consistent with his values. Through her efforts, Austin has helped to keep Mercury’s legacy alive, introducing his music to new fans and cementing his place as one of the most beloved and enduring figures in rock history.
What is Mary Austin’s role in managing Freddie Mercury’s estate?
As the beneficiary of Freddie Mercury’s estate, Mary Austin plays a crucial role in managing his legacy and fortune. She has been responsible for overseeing the use of Mercury’s music, image, and likeness, working to ensure that his intellectual property is used in a way that is respectful and consistent with his values. Austin has also been involved in various projects, including the production of documentaries, movies, and stage shows that celebrate Mercury’s life and career. Her goal is to preserve Mercury’s legacy and introduce his music to new generations of fans, while also protecting his estate from exploitation or mismanagement.
Austin’s role in managing Mercury’s estate is not limited to overseeing the use of his intellectual property. She is also responsible for managing the financial aspects of the estate, including the distribution of royalties and the management of investments. Austin has worked closely with Mercury’s fellow band members, Brian May and Roger Taylor, to ensure that the Queen brand is protected and that the band’s music and legacy are used in a way that is consistent with Mercury’s values. Through her efforts, Austin has helped to ensure that Mercury’s estate is managed in a way that is fair, responsible, and respectful of his memory and legacy.
How has Mary Austin protected Freddie Mercury’s legacy over the years?
Mary Austin has been tireless in her efforts to protect Freddie Mercury’s legacy, working to ensure that his music, image, and likeness are used in a way that is respectful and consistent with his values. She has been involved in various projects, including the production of documentaries, movies, and stage shows that celebrate Mercury’s life and career. Austin has also been instrumental in managing the Queen brand, working closely with Mercury’s fellow band members to ensure that the band’s music and legacy are used in a way that is consistent with Mercury’s values. Through her efforts, Austin has helped to preserve Mercury’s legacy and introduce his music to new generations of fans.
Austin’s protection of Mercury’s legacy extends beyond the management of his intellectual property. She has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Mercury Phoenix Trust, which was established by Mercury’s fellow band members to support people affected by HIV and AIDS. Austin has worked closely with the trust to raise funds and awareness for the charity, helping to ensure that Mercury’s legacy is used to make a positive impact on the world. Through her efforts, Austin has helped to keep Mercury’s memory alive, while also promoting the values of compassion, tolerance, and kindness that he embodied throughout his life.
What is Mary Austin’s relationship like with Freddie Mercury’s family?
Mary Austin has a close relationship with Freddie Mercury’s family, including his parents, Jer and Bomi Bulsara, and his sister, Kashmira Bulsara. Despite the fact that Mercury’s family is originally from Zanzibar and has a distinct cultural heritage, Austin has been accepted as a member of the family and has been involved in various family gatherings and celebrations over the years. Austin’s relationship with Mercury’s family is built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust, and she has been instrumental in helping to preserve Mercury’s cultural heritage and family traditions.
Austin’s relationship with Mercury’s family has been particularly close since his passing. She has worked closely with his sister, Kashmira, to manage Mercury’s estate and protect his legacy. Austin has also been involved in various family gatherings and celebrations, including the annual celebration of Mercury’s birthday. Through her efforts, Austin has helped to keep Mercury’s memory alive and has ensured that his family’s cultural heritage and traditions are preserved for future generations. Austin’s relationship with Mercury’s family is a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship, and a reminder that family is not just limited to blood ties.
How has Mary Austin’s life changed since inheriting Freddie Mercury’s fortune?
Since inheriting Freddie Mercury’s fortune, Mary Austin’s life has changed in many ways. She has been able to live a life of comfort and luxury, free from the financial worries that many people face. Austin has also been able to pursue her own interests and passions, including her love of art and music. However, Austin’s inheritance has also brought its own set of challenges, including the responsibility of managing Mercury’s estate and protecting his legacy. Through it all, Austin has remained committed to preserving Mercury’s memory and ensuring that his music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of fans.
Despite the many changes that have taken place in her life, Austin remains humble and grounded. She has continued to live in Garden Lodge, Mercury’s former mansion, and has worked to preserve the property as a tribute to his memory. Austin has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, using her wealth and influence to make a positive impact on the world. Through her efforts, Austin has helped to keep Mercury’s legacy alive, while also building a life of her own that is rooted in a sense of purpose and meaning. Despite the many challenges she has faced, Austin remains a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship.