I would give everything I own to see my father Freddie again

In a poignant interview, the Queen star's secret daughter explains why she took the difficult decision to finally reveal her existence in a startling new biography of the legendary performer

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OR 34 YEARS, says B — since her father’s untimely death at the age of 45 — friends and associates of the man still revered as rock’s greatest frontman have had free rein with his truth. As a result, his story has been embellished, diminished and corrupted. Those who deny her existence, she says, should remember Freddie was a very complex man.

“Are they absolutely sure he never hid anything from them? Because Freddie knew very well how to keep his secrets. He could be more deceptive than most when he wanted to be, and was better than anyone at hiding things.

“He compartmentalised his life brilliantly in order to keep his private life private. He built strong barriers and walls to protect those he cared about.

“When he fell ill, with HIV then full-blown AIDS, he hid it from the other Queen members for another two years. When they did become aware, they lied about it in order to protect him. They’ve admitted this publicly.”

Freddie was also very good, she reveals, at making people keep promises: “A promise, to him, was sacred. As far as he was concerned, a promise has no expiry date. It is our duty to take the promises we make to our graves and beyond. Some people will never go back on promises they made to him.”