The piano is expected to be sold for between £2million and £3m with part of the money being donated to the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Freddie Mercury’s grand piano is being sold at auction “without reserve”, meaning there will be no minimum sale price. The grand piano was used by the Queen frontman to develop a number of songs including Bohemian Rhapsody and Barcelona.

Mercury bought the Yamaha Baby Grand Piano in 1975 after searching for his “perfect piano” It will be sold at auction by Sotheby’s and is expected to go for between £2million and £3m.

The piano is being sold a month after thousands of items from Mercury’s home – Garden Lodge in Kensington, London – went on display as part of the Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own exhibition. Mary Austin, a close friend of Mercury’s decided that the piano should be put up for sale “without reserve” after witnessing the response to the exhibition. It is hoped that it will open the bidding to a broader base of potential buyers.

“More than anything, Mary wants the piano to go a home where it will be loved, cherished and enjoyed to the full,” Sotheby’s said.

Part of the money raised will be donated to the Elton John Aids Foundation. Mercury died in 1991 at 45 following health complications relating to Aids.

Sir Elton said: “I miss Freddie to this day. He was a wonderful friend – more full of love and life than anyone I’ve ever met – as well as a brilliant performer whose music has inspired and thrilled millions. Freddie and I shared a love of collecting and exchanged many gifts over the years, including some in this brilliant auction.