Mary Austin Net Worth 2024: Mary Austin, the former fiancée and lifelong friend of Freddie Mercury, holds a net worth of $200 million in 2024, primarily derived from her inheritance of Mercury’s estate, ongoing Queen royalties, recent auctions of his belongings for $50 million, and an upcoming £187.5 million windfall from Queen’s catalog sale to Sony, making her one of the wealthiest music industry heirs.
Mary Austin: The Woman Behind Freddie Mercury’s Legacy
Key Facts About Mary Austin
- Mary Austin inherited the majority of Freddie Mercury’s £75 million estate following his death in 1991.
- She received the £25 million Georgian mansion in Kensington and 50% of Mercury’s future earnings.
- Her current net worth stands at $200 million as of 2024.
- She successfully auctioned over 1,500 items from Mercury’s collection in 2023 for over $50 million.
- The Kensington mansion was listed for sale in February 2024 for $38 million.
- She is set to receive £187.5 million from Queen’s £1 billion song catalog sale to Sony.
Who is Mary Austin and What Makes Her Significant?
Mary Austin rose to prominence as the former girlfriend and closest confidante of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. Born on March 6, 1951, in Fulham, London, she became one of the most important figures in Mercury’s life and later the primary heir to his fortune. Their relationship transformed from romantic partners to lifelong friends, with Mercury considering her his “common-law wife” until his death in 1991.
What Was Mary Austin’s Background and Early Life?
Born to working-class parents in London, Mary Austin’s early life was marked by unique circumstances. Both her parents were deaf – her father worked as a wallpaper trimmer while her mother served as a domestic maid. At age 15, Austin left school to work as a receptionist before landing a job at the trendy Biba clothing store in West London.
How Did Mary Austin Meet Freddie Mercury?
The fateful meeting occurred in 1969 when Austin was 19 years old, working at Biba. Mercury, then 24, was running a clothing stall with Queen drummer Roger Taylor at nearby Kensington Market. Their initial connection blossomed into a romantic relationship, leading them to share an apartment near the market. Mercury proposed to Austin on Christmas Day 1973, though they never married.
What Defined Mary Austin’s Relationship with Freddie Mercury?
Their relationship evolved significantly over the years. After living together for six years, Mercury revealed his sexuality to Austin in 1976, ending their romantic involvement. However, this revelation strengthened their friendship. Mercury often stated that Austin was irreplaceable, calling her his “only friend” and common-law wife. He dedicated several songs to her, including the famous “Love of My Life.”
What Financial Legacy Did Mary Austin Inherit?
Following Mercury’s death in 1991, Austin inherited the majority of his estate. This included:
- His 28-room Georgian mansion in Kensington
- 50% of his future earnings (later increased to 75% after his parents’ passing)
- A significant portion of his personal belongings
- Ongoing royalties from Queen’s music catalog
How Has Mary Austin Managed Mercury’s Legacy?
Austin has shown careful stewardship of Mercury’s legacy. In 2023, she made the significant decision to auction over 1,500 items from his personal collection through Sotheby’s, generating more than $50 million. Notable sales included his Yamaha grand piano and various personal effects. She directed portions of the proceeds to charitable causes, including the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
What is Mary Austin’s Personal Life After Mercury?
Following Mercury’s death, Austin maintained a private lifestyle. She married painter Piers Cameron in 1990 and had two sons before divorcing in 1993. She later married Nicholas Holford in 1998, but this marriage was annulled in 2002. She has continued living in Mercury’s Kensington mansion until recently, when she listed it for sale in February 2024 for $38 million.
What is Mary Austin’s Current Net Worth?
As of 2024, Mary Austin’s net worth stands at approximately $200 million. This wealth stems primarily from her inheritance of Mercury’s estate and subsequent management of his assets. The recent sale of Mercury’s belongings and the potential sale of the Kensington mansion will likely impact this figure.
What Are The Latest Updates About Mary Austin in 2024?
Mary Austin is set to receive a substantial windfall of £187.5 million from Queen’s record-breaking £1 billion song catalog sale agreement with Sony. This latest financial boost adds to her existing fortune from Mercury’s estate.
In February 2024, Austin listed Mercury’s beloved Garden Lodge mansion in London’s Kensington area for sale. The 28-room Georgian property, which has remained largely unchanged since Mercury’s death, is being offered for £30 million (approximately $38 million).
The September 2023 Sotheby’s auction of Mercury’s personal belongings proved highly successful, exceeding expectations by generating £40 million, significantly surpassing the initial estimate of £7 million. A portion of these proceeds was directed to various charitable organizations.
In a rare 2023 interview with the BBC, Austin shared her ongoing emotional connection to Mercury, stating, “I miss the fun, the humor, his warmth, his energy.” These recent comments provide insight into her continued dedication to preserving Mercury’s legacy while moving forward with necessary changes.
The upcoming Sony catalog sale represents another major milestone in Austin’s management of Mercury’s estate. Her stake in Queen Productions, which manages the band’s catalog and royalties, continues to generate significant returns, demonstrating her careful stewardship of Mercury’s musical legacy.
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