Bill Gates Reflects on Divorce from Melinda Gates as His Biggest Regret

In an interview ahead of his memoir release, the Microsoft founder opens up about personal life and his past mistakes.

Billionaire Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged that the end of his 27-year marriage to Melinda French Gates is the mistake he regrets most. In a candid conversation with The Times of London ahead of the release of his memoir, Source Code, Gates shared his reflections on his personal life, revealing the emotional toll of his divorce.

The Microsoft mogul, who has achieved enormous success in both business and philanthropy, described the separation from his wife as "the mistake I most regret." He explained the significance of a long-lasting relationship, particularly one that spans an entire adult life, filled with shared memories and raising children together.

"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 said. "When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful — that came during the time that we were together. So, she saw me through a lot."

The couple announced their separation in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences. Gates later told NBC News that the divorce was "definitely a sad thing," acknowledging his role in causing pain to his family. "I have responsibility for causing a lot of pain to my family. It was a tough year," he shared. "I feel good that all of us are moving forward now."

Despite the split, Gates and French Gates continued to collaborate through The Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations. When they divorced, they agreed to work together for another two years to ensure the smooth running of the foundation. If necessary, French Gates would step down from her positions as co-chair and trustee after that time.

Last year, French Gates resigned from her roles at the foundation, a decision that Gates admitted "disappointed" him. However, it appears the two have managed to find common ground, with Gates expressing that their relationship is cordial.

"Melinda and I still see each other — we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events," Gates said. "The kids are doing well. They have good values."

When asked if he regretted anything beyond the end of his marriage, Gates replied, "There are others, but none that matter."