Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most renowned philanthropists, is a father to three children: Jennifer Katharine Gates, Rory John Gates, and Phoebe Adele Gates. Raised alongside his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, these children have grown up under the public eye, yet each has carved out their own unique path.
Jennifer Katharine Gates
Born on April 26, 1996, Jennifer is the eldest of the Gates siblings. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, earning a degree in human biology. Her passion for medicine led her to further her education at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Beyond academics, Jennifer is an accomplished equestrian. She has competed in numerous horse-riding competitions and has been a prominent figure in the equestrian community. In October 2021, she married Nayel Nassar, a fellow equestrian and Olympic athlete. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2023, making Bill Gates a grandfather for the first time.
Rory John Gates
Rory, born on May 23, 1999, is the only son of Bill and Melinda Gates. Unlike his sisters, Rory maintains a relatively private life, staying away from the limelight. He pursued his education at the University of Chicago, where he studied computer science and economics.
Known for his introspective nature, Rory has been described as a thoughtful and curious individual. He shares his parents’ philanthropic values and has shown interest in global issues, particularly those related to gender equality and social justice. Despite his family’s wealth, Rory was raised with an emphasis on humility and the importance of giving back to society.
Phoebe Adele Gates
The youngest of the Gates children, Phoebe was born on September 14, 2002. She has shown a keen interest in the arts, particularly ballet, having trained at prestigious institutions like the School of American Ballet and the Juilliard School. Phoebe is also academically inclined, pursuing her studies at Stanford University.
Active on social media, Phoebe uses her platform to advocate for issues she’s passionate about, including women’s rights and social justice. In 2025, she co-launched a podcast titled “The Burnouts,” aiming to address topics relevant to young adults navigating the complexities of modern life.
Inheritance and Values
Despite amassing a fortune exceeding $160 billion, Bill Gates has been transparent about his decision to leave his children a minimal portion of his wealth. He believes that providing them with vast sums of money would not be beneficial in the long run. Instead, he aims to instill values of independence and hard work. The majority of his fortune is pledged to philanthropic endeavors through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
In conclusion, while being the offspring of one of the world’s richest individuals comes with its set of challenges and expectations, Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe Gates have each embarked on their own journeys, guided by the principles and values instilled in them by their parents.
