Millions knew Freddie Mercury as the larger-than-life voice of Queen.

But Mary Austin knew the man behind the superstar.

Mary met Freddie in 1970, before Queen became famous. They fell in love, lived together and even became engaged. Although their romantic relationship eventually ended, their bond never did.

Mary remained one of Freddie’s closest and most trusted people for the rest of his life.

When Freddie passed away in 1991, he left Mary his beloved London home, Garden Lodge, along with a substantial portion of his estate.

But he also trusted her with something far more private: his ashes.

Freddie asked Mary to place them somewhere secret, and more than three decades later, she still refuses to reveal the location.

Now 75, Mary has been sharing rare memories of their relationship and the private Freddie the public rarely saw.

She remembers the young man before worldwide fame, his songwriting at home and the extraordinary friendship they maintained long after their romance changed.

The world knew Freddie Mercury the superstar.

Mary Austin knew Freddie — and 35 years later, she’s still protecting the promise she made to him.