After more than two decades of marriages, Bill Gates reflects on a decision that continues to weigh on him: his divorce from Melinda Gates.
In an exclusive interview, the technical tycoon described the end of his marriage as “I regret the mistake”, which recognized the deep impact he had on both of his lives. Despite the persistent disappointment, Bill notes that he is “now cheerful”, suggesting that time and perspective allowed him to find peace.
The sincere conversation casts light on their relationship, their journey together and on a difficult journey that both continue to navigate after their division.
Bill Gates thought about his divorce with Melinda Gates after more than 20 years of marriage.
In an interview with The Times of London, Bill, 69, he admitted that his divorce was a “mistake I regret the most”, although he added that despite pain he feels “cheerful now”.
Bill and Melinda, 60, publicly announced their department in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage. They got married in 1994 and have three children: Jennifer, Rory and Phoebe.
Bill shared with the times when he hoped to re -create a successful 45 -year marriage of his parents with Melinda. “I encouraged Melinda to be a little calmer than my mother, but we both were quite controlled,” he recalled. “I spent more time with the kids than my dad, but the ratio was still 10: 1 when Melinda did most of the children. We had a great time.”
He was also thinking about the advantages of spending the whole adult life with one person and recorded the deep memories they shared, including the upbringing of their children together. Bill explained that when they met Melinda in 1987, he was successful, but not a billionaire yet. Over the years, Melinda has seen him with significant changes.
Bill and Melinda met when she started working for Microsoft, and together they created a common foundation. After their divorce, Melinda left the foundation that disappointed Bill. “When we divorced, it was difficult and then decided to leave the foundation – I was disappointed that she took this opportunity,” he said.
Bill recognized divorce as one of his greatest personal failures. “You would have to put it on the top of my shortcomings list,” he said. “There are other things, but it doesn’t matter. The divorce thing was unhappy for me and Melinda for at least two years.”
Despite their departments, Bill and Melinda managed to maintain a cordial relationship and continue to cooperate with their adult children. “Melinda and I still see each other – we have three children and two grandchildren, so there are family events,” Bill said. “Children are doing well. They have good values.”
Melinda, who also discussed her healing process, described the emotional decay tax. “It’s incredibly painful, countless ways, but I had privacy to go through it,” Fortune said in October 2022. He could do it. ”
Conclusion
In years after their divorce, Bill and Melinda Gates focused on maintaining a cooperative relationship for their family, especially their three children. Despite the painful experience of their separation, they continue to support each other as collaborators and ensure that their children are well supported and that family events remain a priority. While Bill openly expressed regret for divorce, he also acknowledged the lessons he learned and the growth he had experienced since then.
Melinda also found ways to recover, learn to balance personal pain with professional responsibility. Their path, although marked by personal challenges, reflects a shared commitment to their family and a forward -aiming path aimed at mutual respect and understanding.