Bill Gates reveals why his divorce from Melinda remains his biggest regret: 'It was tough'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bill Gates has spoken openly about the end of his 27-year marriage to Melinda Gates, describing it as “the mistake I most regret.”

In a recent interview with The Times of London, Gates reflected on the challenges of their separation and the impact it had on both of them.

Bill Gates admits divorce was 'miserable' for him and Melinda

Speaking about his divorce, Bill Gates admitted, “When we got divorced, it was tough. The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.”

The couple, who got married in 1994, announced their separation in May 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.

Their divorce was finalized in August 2021.

Despite the end of their marriage, they have continued to collaborate as co-parents and philanthropists.

Bill Gates and Melinda Gates' shared journey of success and growth

Bill Gates and Melinda Gates met in 1987 when she began working at Microsoft, the company Gates co-founded.

Their relationship grew into a marriage that weathered the highs and lows of life, including the global success of Microsoft and the launch of their philanthropic venture, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“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,” Gates shared.

He noted that when he and Melinda got married, his career was on an upward trajectory, but he had not yet reached the level of “ridiculous success” that came later.

“She saw me through a lot,” he added, emphasizing her role in their shared journey.

Bill Gates opens up on the challenges of divorce

Bill Gates confessed that he had hoped to emulate the long-lasting marriage of his parents who were together for 45 years.

“You would have to put [the divorce] at the top of the list,” Gates said of his regrets.

 “There are others, but none that matter as much,” he added.

“When we got divorced, it was tough, and then she made the decision to leave the foundation — I was disappointed that she took the option to go off,” Gates said.

Bill Gates and Melinda Gates' commitment to family and healing

Despite their separation, Bill Gates and Melinda have prioritized their children, Jennifer, 27, Rory, 24, and Phoebe, 21.

“Melinda and I still see each other — we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events,” Gates noted.

“The kids are doing well. They have good values,” he shared.

While the divorce marked a significant personal challenge for Gates, he remains optimistic about the future.

Both he and Melinda have continued their philanthropic endeavors, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.

“There is something special about the life we shared. And while I regret how it ended, I am grateful for everything we built together,” he reflected.