Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, has spoken publicly about his regret over his divorce from Melinda French Gates, whom he was married to for 27 years. In an interview with The Times of London, Gates admitted that the divorce was “the mistake I regret the most”.
Gates explained that he and Melinda had a difficult two-year separation, which he described as “miserable”. He said that he had hoped to have a successful marriage like his parents, who were married for 45 years, and that he still thinks about the divorce “every day”.
Gates also expressed regret over the fall of their daughter, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which was renamed The Gates Foundation after Melinda’s departure. He said that he was disappointed when she left the foundation, as they had made significant progress together.
In the interview, Gates also revealed that he and Melinda had not had a prenuptial agreement, but had instead signed a separation agreement outlining the terms of their split. The agreement did not include details on the division of their vast fortune, which Gates estimated to be worth $130 billion at the time of their divorce.
Gates also spoke about his current love life, revealing that he is dating Paula Hurd, a former tech executive and widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. His ex-wife Melinda has also moved on, publicly dating entrepreneur Philip Vaughn. Despite the divorce, Gates said that he and Melinda still attend family events, including their three children’s milestones, and have a positive relationship.
