Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mary Austin’s Net Worth?
Mary Austin, an English native, boasts a net worth of $200 million as of today, March 6, 2025. This substantial financial standing is primarily attributed to her enduring relationship with the late Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of the band Queen. Her connection to Mercury has profoundly shaped her life and financial trajectory.
The Freddie Mercury Connection: A Legacy of Wealth
Mary Austin’s financial story is inextricably linked to Freddie Mercury’s legacy. Their romantic involvement, which spanned from 1970 to 1976, evolved into a deep and abiding friendship that lasted until Mercury’s untimely death in 1991. Mercury’s trust in Austin was so profound that he designated her as the primary heir to his estate. This inheritance included a significant portion of Queen’s ongoing royalties, ensuring a steady stream of income for Austin over the years.
Beyond royalties, Mercury bequeathed to Austin his palatial London mansion, Garden Lodge. This property, located in the affluent neighborhood of Kensington, became Austin’s home for over three decades. In February 2024, Austin made the decision to list Garden Lodge for sale with an asking price of $38 million. While the exact details of the sale are not yet publicly available, it is anticipated that the sale will further augment Austin’s already substantial net worth. The original purchase price of Garden Lodge in 1980 was £500,000.
Further bolstering her financial position, Austin auctioned off approximately 1,500 items that had belonged to Mercury in September 2023. This auction, held at Sotheby’s in London, generated over $50 million. The items included handwritten lyrics, stage costumes, and personal effects, offering fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of music history. One of the most notable items sold was the Yamaha G2 baby grand piano on which Mercury composed many of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The piano fetched a staggering $2 million at auction. A portion of the auction proceeds were donated to charities such as the Mercury Phoenix Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. According to the auction catalog, a silver Tiffany & Co. cigarette case gifted to Mercury by Queen’s manager, John Reid, sold for $18,000, exceeding its pre-sale estimate. An unpublished draft of “Bohemian Rhapsody” lyrics, written in pencil on British Midland Airways stationery, went for $1.7 million.
At the time of his death in 1991, Freddie Mercury’s net worth was estimated to be between $50 and $60 million. This included real estate worth the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $40 million and $13 million in liquid assets. The bulk of this estate was left to Mary Austin, with smaller portions allocated to his parents, sister, chef, personal assistant, driver, and his partner at the time of his death, Jim Hutton. The specifics of the distribution percentages were not publicly disclosed, but Austin received the lion’s share.
Early Life and Career: From Humble Beginnings to Financial Security
Mary Georgina Austin was born on March 6, 1951, in Fulham, London. Her parents were both deaf; her mother worked as a maid, and her father was a wallpaper trimmer. This background instilled in Austin a strong work ethic and a pragmatic approach to life.
Austin’s early career path involved working various jobs, including a stint as a receptionist after dropping out of school at age 15. She later secured a position at the trendy clothing store Biba, a popular destination in London during the 1960s and 1970s. While specific salary details from her time at Biba are unavailable, it is unlikely that these jobs contributed significantly to her current net worth. However, they provided her with valuable experience and exposure to the world, laying the foundation for her future relationships and opportunities.
In the mid-1980s, Austin made brief appearances in TV specials like “Fashion Aid” and “Queen Live at Wembley ’86.” In 2000, she was featured in the television documentary “Freddie Mercury, the Untold Story,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video. More recently, in 2021, she participated in the German TV documentary “Queen Forever – Die Freddie Mercury Story.” These appearances, while not directly contributing to her net worth in a substantial way, have helped to maintain her public profile and reinforce her connection to Freddie Mercury’s legacy.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Legacy
Mary Austin’s personal life has been marked by both joy and sorrow. Her relationship with Freddie Mercury was a defining aspect of her life, shaping her identity and providing her with financial security. Their bond transcended romantic love, evolving into a deep and unwavering friendship.
Prior to her relationship with Mercury, Austin briefly dated Queen guitarist Brian May in the late 1960s. After they split up, they remained friends. It was May who introduced Austin to Mercury, setting in motion a chain of events that would forever alter her life. Mercury and Austin lived together in West Kensington, London from 1973, and they became engaged. In 1976, their romantic relationship ended when Mercury told Austin about his sexuality. The specifics of their living arrangements and financial contributions during their time living together are not publicly documented.
Mercury’s generosity extended beyond his death. He purchased a home for Austin near his own, ensuring that she was financially secure even after their romantic relationship ended. This act of kindness reflects the depth of his affection and respect for her. He later said of Austin in a 1985 interview: “All my lovers asked me why they couldn’t replace Mary, but it’s simply impossible. The only friend I’ve got is Mary, and I don’t want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that’s enough for me.” The exact location and value of this home were not disclosed to the public.
Austin married artist Piers Cameron in 1990, and they had two children, Richard, of whom Freddie was the Godfather, and Jamie, before divorcing in 1993. She later married Nicholas Holford in 1998, but the marriage was annulled in 2002. These marriages did not significantly impact her net worth.
Mary Austin was present at Freddie Mercury’s bedside when he passed away in 1991. The experience was profoundly emotional for her, and she has spoken of the deep sense of loss she felt after his death. She has said of Mercury: “I lost my family, really, when Freddie died. He was everything to me, apart from my sons. He was like no one I had met before.”
Real Estate Holdings: Garden Lodge and Beyond
Garden Lodge, the London mansion that Freddie Mercury purchased in 1980 for £500,000, is arguably Mary Austin’s most valuable asset. The property, located in a secluded area of Kensington, provided a haven for Mercury during his lifetime and became Austin’s primary residence after his death. In February 2024, Austin listed Garden Lodge for sale with an asking price of $38 million, reflecting the property’s significant appreciation in value over the years. The sale of Garden Lodge will undoubtedly have a substantial impact on Austin’s net worth.
While Garden Lodge is the most well-known property associated with Mary Austin, it is possible that she owns other real estate holdings that have not been publicly disclosed. Information regarding these holdings is not available.
While specific details about Mary Austin’s investment portfolio are not publicly available, it is likely that she has diversified her assets across various sectors, including stocks, bonds, and real estate. It’s also likely that she has financial advisors managing her portfolio.
