In a candid interview with the Times of London, Bill Gates opened up about his personal life, notably his divorce from Melinda French Gates, expressing deep regret over the separation. The co-founder of Microsoft, known for his philanthropic endeavors and technological innovation, shared insights into his emotional journey post-divorce while discussing his upcoming memoir, "Source Code."
The Weight of Regret
Bill Gates did not shy away from expressing how significant the divorce has been in his life, marking it as his biggest regret. “That was the mistake I most regret,†he admitted, reflecting on the breadth of experiences and growth he shared with Melinda during their marriage. He recounted how Melinda had been by his side before and during his peak success, which added a layer of depth to their relationship. "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," Bill explained.
Professional Partnerships and Personal Shifts
Despite their personal split, Bill and Melinda continued their professional partnership at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a major philanthropic force globally. However, this collaboration too came to an end when Melinda decided to leave the foundation. Bill shared his disappointment over her decision, noting, “I was disappointed that she took the option to go off.†Melinda stated her departure from the foundation was to move "forward into the next chapter of my philanthropy," hinting at new beginnings independent of her past affiliations.