Freddie Mercury made ‘final wish’ to close friends in last days before he died
It has been almost 30 years since Queen frontman and music legend Freddie Mercury passed away.
Shortly before his AIDS related death on November 24, 1991, the 45-year-old singer had retreated to the comfort of his home at One Garden Lodge in Kensington, as it became increasingly harder for the rock star to hide his grave illness.
As he approached his final days, Freddie made one final request to his close friends, who stayed at his beside around the clock to care for him, according to the Mirror.
At this point, he had stopped his HIV treatment and was only on medication that would help manage his pain, but not save him from it.
His ex-girlfriend Mary Austin, who stayed with him through thick and thin even after their romantic relationship came to an end before the end of the 70s, was visiting him every day.
She was joined by Freddie’s partner at the time, Jim Hutton, and his former partner who was also his personal chef, Joe Fanelli.
They both lived with Freddie during his final months, along with close friend Dave Clarke and the singer’s long-time PA and friend, Peter Freestone.
Speaking to the Express, Peter told that four days before the Queen singer died, they helped Freddie enjoy a special moment in the home that he adored.
(Image: Getty Images)
Peter said: “Freddie was downstairs in Garden Lodge on the 20th November, as he wanted to see some of his artworks for one last time.
“Terry carried him down the stairs, but he walked around the sitting room and Japanese room, with one of us supporting him.
“He commented on how and when he had acquired a few of the pieces.
“Of course, there was a quiet atmosphere in the house during those last days, but Freddie remained the Freddie we knew until the end.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Terry Giddings was Freddie’s bodyguard and chauffeur and it was a moment that enabled Freddie to pass away with some kind of peace.
He had lived in his Kensington home since 1985 and he had filled it with priceless and precious works of art and furnishings.
Speaking about the art pieces, Freddie said: “I’m trailing over my Lalique and Galle vases – I’m up to my ears now. I mean, a lot of people used to say my house was like a museum, but now I’m beginning to agree with them. It’s getting very silly.”
Freddie was close friends with Elton John and he told how he shared his problems with the singer.
Freddie said: “I love those stories about Elton, where he had that problem where people were staying at his home at the weekends, in his spare rooms…
“They’d look under the bed and there would be Rembrandts and other such masters. It’s true. With me, it’s my Japanese prints that are just getting ridiculous.”
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Freddie Mercury made ‘final wish’ to close friends in last days before he died
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