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Peter was not just Freddie’s PA for the last twelve years of his life, he was a close friend who shared every part of his life. He went everywhere Freddie went, moved with him to Germany in the early 1980s and then lived with the star at One Garden Lodge in Kensington until the end. He was one of the few to be told of Freddie’s HIV diagnosis in 1987, and he was there by his friend’s bed when he was born on Dec.. November 1991 died.
Peter spoke exclusively to The Express about Freddie’s strength and the incredible way he dealt with the knowledge that he would die over four years.
He said, « When Freddie was diagnosed – he thought he was sick in 1986 and it was confirmed in 1987 – he did not become depressed. He wasn’t afraid. It was a fact that he was going to die. Back then there was absolutely nothing that could change that.
« So he continued with his music. He’s done so much in the past four years, much more than in previous years.
« He said to me, ‘Never regret anything. You’re wasting time when you can’t change it. Keep doing what you want to do. ‘ »
The Queen’s bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor spoke about Freddie’s determination to record as much music as possible by spending a few hours in the band’s studio in Lausanne, Switzerland, even though his strength was weakening.
Peter also showed how happy Freddie’s collaboration with Montserrat Caballe on the Barcelona album made him.
Peter said, « He couldn’t believe the greatest voice in the world was singing with him. It was closer to tears than ever before. It gave him so much joy. «
For the last few weeks of his life, Freddie was bedridden and stopped taking his AIDS medication, even though he was still using pain medication.
Peter held shifts by his bedside along with the other two men who lived there: Freddie’s partner Jim Hutton and his ex-boyfriend (and chef) Joe Fanelli.
Ex-girlfriend Mary Hutton was there every day too, along with Freddie’s trusted friend and rock star Dave Clarke of the Dave Clarke Five.
Peter said, “I would sit on the bed and hold his hand. When he woke up, someone was there. We talked, easily chatting about friends or gossip. He never lost his sense of humor. «
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Peter told Express Online about their last moments together: « The last time I saw him, he took my hand and said, ‘Thank you. « I didn’t know if he’d decided it was, he left, there was nothing to stay alive for.
« I don’t know if he thanked me for everything in the twelve years or just for this last shift. I suppose it doesn’t matter. But the last time I saw him, he was relaxed and prepared. «
Although doctors said the star could live a few more days, Peter believes Freddie decided to let go.
Peter added, « We all knew it couldn’t be too long, but Freddie’s doctor had said he could be with us for a few more days. I feel like Freddie decided he had enough and it was time to go on his own terms. «
Jim Hutton was in bed on Saturday night when the star fell into a coma and Dave Clark was on the Night Watch on Sunday when he died.
It was Mary Austin who called Mercury’s parents and sister to break the news, which was early in the morning on Jan.. Reached November 1991 newspaper and television teams around the world.
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Queen, Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mary Austin
World news – GB – Freddie Mercury last days: Courage and the Queen’s last words to the man at his bedside
Ref: https://www.express.co.uk
