Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a leading figure in global philanthropy, has candidly shared his feelings about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, describing it as “the mistake I regret the most.” In an interview with The Times of London, Gates revealed the emotional toll of the separation, stating that the process was difficult for both him and Melinda over two years.
The couple, married for 27 years, announced their separation in May 2021, with their divorce finalised that August. Their relationship, which began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager, culminated in marriage on New Year’s Day in 1994. Together, they raised three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Gates expressed a sense of loss regarding their marriage, acknowledging the deep memories and experiences they shared as a couple and as parents.
Reflecting on the reasons for their split, Gates noted that the divorce was particularly challenging, especially given his desire for a lasting partnership like that of his parents, Bill Gates Sr. and Mary Gates, who were married for 45 years. He admired their enduring relationship, stating, “There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together.” However, he acknowledged that his own marriage did not follow that trajectory, which he deeply regrets.
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Bill Gates On Impact Of Divorce
Gates also discussed the impact of the divorce on both parties. He remarked, “When we got divorced, it was tough, and then she (Melinda) made the decision to leave the foundation — I was disappointed that she took the option to go off.” Their shared commitment to philanthropy was expressed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has focused on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.
Following Melinda’s resignation, the organisation was renamed The Gates Foundation in 2024, marking a significant shift in their partnership. Gates acknowledged that he “caused pain” to his family during the divorce, particularly when questioned about the role of infidelity in their marriage. While he did not provide details, he recognised that his actions had consequences.
Melinda has also alluded to challenges within their relationship, notably Gates’ ties to controversial figures. In a 2022 interview, she expressed disapproval of his meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling those interactions “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” This revelation intensified scrutiny around their high-profile divorce.
Despite their separation, Gates maintains a hopeful outlook, expressing a desire for happiness and fulfilment moving forward. “I’m cheerful now,” he remarked, indicating he has found a sense of peace after the turbulent period.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a leading figure in global philanthropy, has candidly shared his feelings about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, describing it as “the mistake I regret the most.” In an interview with The Times of London, Gates revealed the emotional toll of the separation, stating that the process was difficult for both him and Melinda over two years.
The couple, married for 27 years, announced their separation in May 2021, with their divorce finalised that August. Their relationship, which began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager, culminated in marriage on New Year’s Day in 1994. Together, they raised three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Gates expressed a sense of loss regarding their marriage, acknowledging the deep memories and experiences they shared as a couple and as parents.
Reflecting on the reasons for their split, Gates noted that the divorce was particularly challenging, especially given his desire for a lasting partnership like that of his parents, Bill Gates Sr. and Mary Gates, who were married for 45 years. He admired their enduring relationship, stating, “There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together.” However, he acknowledged that his own marriage did not follow that trajectory, which he deeply regrets.
ALSO READ | Fact Check: Bill Gates At Kashi Vishwanath Temple? No, That’s Someone Else In Viral Video
Bill Gates On Impact Of Divorce
Gates also discussed the impact of the divorce on both parties. He remarked, “When we got divorced, it was tough, and then she (Melinda) made the decision to leave the foundation — I was disappointed that she took the option to go off.” Their shared commitment to philanthropy was expressed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has focused on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.
Following Melinda’s resignation, the organisation was renamed The Gates Foundation in 2024, marking a significant shift in their partnership. Gates acknowledged that he “caused pain” to his family during the divorce, particularly when questioned about the role of infidelity in their marriage. While he did not provide details, he recognised that his actions had consequences.
Melinda has also alluded to challenges within their relationship, notably Gates’ ties to controversial figures. In a 2022 interview, she expressed disapproval of his meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling those interactions “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” This revelation intensified scrutiny around their high-profile divorce.
Despite their separation, Gates maintains a hopeful outlook, expressing a desire for happiness and fulfilment moving forward. “I’m cheerful now,” he remarked, indicating he has found a sense of peace after the turbulent period.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a leading figure in global philanthropy, has candidly shared his feelings about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, describing it as “the mistake I regret the most.” In an interview with The Times of London, Gates revealed the emotional toll of the separation, stating that the process was difficult for both him and Melinda over two years.
The couple, married for 27 years, announced their separation in May 2021, with their divorce finalised that August. Their relationship, which began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager, culminated in marriage on New Year’s Day in 1994. Together, they raised three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Gates expressed a sense of loss regarding their marriage, acknowledging the deep memories and experiences they shared as a couple and as parents.
Reflecting on the reasons for their split, Gates noted that the divorce was particularly challenging, especially given his desire for a lasting partnership like that of his parents, Bill Gates Sr. and Mary Gates, who were married for 45 years. He admired their enduring relationship, stating, “There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together.” However, he acknowledged that his own marriage did not follow that trajectory, which he deeply regrets.
ALSO READ | Fact Check: Bill Gates At Kashi Vishwanath Temple? No, That’s Someone Else In Viral Video
Bill Gates On Impact Of Divorce
Gates also discussed the impact of the divorce on both parties. He remarked, “When we got divorced, it was tough, and then she (Melinda) made the decision to leave the foundation — I was disappointed that she took the option to go off.” Their shared commitment to philanthropy was expressed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has focused on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.
Following Melinda’s resignation, the organisation was renamed The Gates Foundation in 2024, marking a significant shift in their partnership. Gates acknowledged that he “caused pain” to his family during the divorce, particularly when questioned about the role of infidelity in their marriage. While he did not provide details, he recognised that his actions had consequences.
Melinda has also alluded to challenges within their relationship, notably Gates’ ties to controversial figures. In a 2022 interview, she expressed disapproval of his meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling those interactions “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” This revelation intensified scrutiny around their high-profile divorce.
Despite their separation, Gates maintains a hopeful outlook, expressing a desire for happiness and fulfilment moving forward. “I’m cheerful now,” he remarked, indicating he has found a sense of peace after the turbulent period.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a leading figure in global philanthropy, has candidly shared his feelings about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, describing it as “the mistake I regret the most.” In an interview with The Times of London, Gates revealed the emotional toll of the separation, stating that the process was difficult for both him and Melinda over two years.
The couple, married for 27 years, announced their separation in May 2021, with their divorce finalised that August. Their relationship, which began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager, culminated in marriage on New Year’s Day in 1994. Together, they raised three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Gates expressed a sense of loss regarding their marriage, acknowledging the deep memories and experiences they shared as a couple and as parents.
Reflecting on the reasons for their split, Gates noted that the divorce was particularly challenging, especially given his desire for a lasting partnership like that of his parents, Bill Gates Sr. and Mary Gates, who were married for 45 years. He admired their enduring relationship, stating, “There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together.” However, he acknowledged that his own marriage did not follow that trajectory, which he deeply regrets.
ALSO READ | Fact Check: Bill Gates At Kashi Vishwanath Temple? No, That’s Someone Else In Viral Video
Bill Gates On Impact Of Divorce
Gates also discussed the impact of the divorce on both parties. He remarked, “When we got divorced, it was tough, and then she (Melinda) made the decision to leave the foundation — I was disappointed that she took the option to go off.” Their shared commitment to philanthropy was expressed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has focused on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.
Following Melinda’s resignation, the organisation was renamed The Gates Foundation in 2024, marking a significant shift in their partnership. Gates acknowledged that he “caused pain” to his family during the divorce, particularly when questioned about the role of infidelity in their marriage. While he did not provide details, he recognised that his actions had consequences.
Melinda has also alluded to challenges within their relationship, notably Gates’ ties to controversial figures. In a 2022 interview, she expressed disapproval of his meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling those interactions “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” This revelation intensified scrutiny around their high-profile divorce.
Despite their separation, Gates maintains a hopeful outlook, expressing a desire for happiness and fulfilment moving forward. “I’m cheerful now,” he remarked, indicating he has found a sense of peace after the turbulent period.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
