Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin: A Love Story Beyond Romance

Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin were engaged in 1973 but ended their romantic relationship in 1976. Despite the breakup, they remained close friends until Mercury's death in 1991. Mercury considered Austin his common-law wife and left her the majority of his fortune, including his mansion in Kensington. Their relationship was portrayed in the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

Mary Austin grew up in a working-class family in Battersea, South London. She met Mercury in 1969 while working at a clothing store in Kensington. They fell in love and moved in together in London. Mercury proposed to Austin in 1973, but their engagement ended in 1976 when Mercury came out to her as bisexual. Despite this, they continued to live together emotionally until Mercury's passing.

After Mercury's death, Austin inherited his mansion and possessions. She lived in the Kensington home for over 30 years before deciding to sell it in February 2024. The property was filled with memories of Mercury and remained mostly unchanged since his passing. Austin also auctioned off the majority of Mercury's possessions in 2023, keeping only a few personal items and photos of them together.

Austin has maintained a private life over the years. She has two adult sons from her previous marriage and has spoken about missing Mercury's humor and warmth. In September 2026, Austin's book, "A Life in Lyrics," is set to be released, sharing stories and memories of Mercury, along with unpublished lyrics written by the singer.