Bill Gates Reflects on Divorce from Melinda as His “Greatest Regret”
In a candid interview with The Times of London published on Saturday, billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates opened up about his divorce from Melinda Gates, calling it the “mistake I most regret” in his life.
The tech mogul, 69, admitted that while he has experienced other failures, the end of his 27-year marriage to Melinda remains at the top of his list of regrets. “There are others, but none that matter,” Gates said. “The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.”
A Painful Chapter
Bill and Melinda Gates, who married in 1994, announced their separation in May 2021 after a year of living apart. The couple, who share three children—Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22—have since maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their family.
“Melinda and I still see each other—we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events. The kids are doing well. They have good values,” Gates shared.
Despite the challenges, Gates expressed optimism about his current state of mind, stating, “I’m more cheerful now.” However, he acknowledged that the dissolution of his marriage continues to weigh heavily on him.
Moving Forward
Since their divorce, both Bill and Melinda have moved on romantically, with each reportedly dating other people. Despite their personal separation, the former couple remains committed to their shared philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
A Legacy Beyond Regret
While Gates’s reflections on his divorce reveal a deeply personal side of the tech icon, his contributions to technology and philanthropy continue to define his legacy. As he navigates this new chapter of his life, Gates remains focused on his family and his mission to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Bureau Newspaper will continue to follow this story and provide updates on Bill Gates’s journey and his ongoing impact on the world.
