Charles Esther
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, has lived a life under the public eye for decades.
Despite his immense wealth and status, much less is known about his three children with ex-wife Melinda French Gates.
Over the years, however, Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe Gates have increasingly made names for themselves in their respective fields.
Here’s a closer look at the Gates children and what they’ve been up to.
A Legacy of Privilege and Opportunity
Bill Gates’ story is one of ambition, intelligence, and relentless drive.
He dropped out of Harvard University at 19 to co-found Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen in 1975.
Almost five decades later, Gates has a net worth nearing $108 billion, making him one of the richest men on Earth.
While he stepped down from Microsoft’s board in 2020, his philanthropic efforts with the Gates Foundation continue, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
Despite being the children of one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs, Gates’ children—Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe—have largely kept a low profile throughout their upbringing.
They were raised in a world of privilege, attending the prestigious Lakeside School in Seattle, where both Bill Gates and Paul Allen had met as students before launching their tech empire.
Although they’ve remained out of the spotlight for much of their childhood, their personal and professional lives are slowly coming into focus.
Jennifer Gates Nassar: The Equestrian and Medical Professional
A Passion for Horses
Jennifer Gates Nassar, 28, is the eldest of Bill and Melinda Gates’ children.
Growing up, she developed a deep passion for equestrian sports, which has become a significant part of her life.
Bill Gates supported his daughter’s interest, investing millions into her equestrian endeavors, including purchasing a $18 million horse farm in California and building an equestrian facility in Florida.
Jennifer’s equestrian career is marked by impressive achievements, but her academic and professional pursuits are just as noteworthy.
She graduated from Stanford University in 2018 with an undergraduate degree in human biology.
Following her time at Stanford, she went on to study medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she graduated in May.
Jennifer is currently continuing her education at Mount Sinai, specializing in pediatric research.
During medical school, she also earned a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University, aligning with her parents’ commitment to philanthropy and global health.
Family Life
In October 2021, Jennifer married Egyptian equestrian Nayel Nassar. The couple has since welcomed two daughters.
Their New York City penthouse, valued at $51 million, is a testament to their successful careers and personal life.
Jennifer’s philanthropic interests mirror those of her parents.
She has actively worked to make a difference in global health and development, particularly during her visit to Kenya, where she learned more about childhood health.
Rory John Gates: The Private Scholar
Living Under the Radar
Rory John Gates, 24, is the second-born child of Bill and Melinda Gates and is notably the most private of the three.
Unlike his sisters, Rory keeps a low profile, rarely appearing in public or on social media.
His parents, too, have kept their interactions with him relatively private.
Despite his reclusive nature, Rory has made strides in his academic career.
He graduated from the University of Chicago in 2022, where he achieved a double major and earned a master’s degree.
Rory is known to be a fan of puzzles, a trait he shares with his parents, and is reportedly active in influential circles in Washington, D.C.
Though he has not made any significant public career moves yet, reports suggest that Rory is a sought-after figure within elite social circles due to his family’s wealth and influence.
Phoebe Gates: The Fashion Enthusiast and Startup Founder
A Passion for Fashion and Public Health
Phoebe Gates, 22, is the youngest of the Gates children and the most public-facing. Phoebe recently graduated from Stanford University, following in her siblings’ footsteps at the same prestigious institution.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, which aligns with her family’s focus on health and philanthropy.
Phoebe’s mother, Melinda, even delivered the commencement address at her graduation.
Phoebe has long been interested in the fashion industry. She has interned at British Vogue and attended major fashion events in New York, Paris, and Copenhagen.
Sustainability is a key theme in her fashion work, and she is particularly passionate about supporting designers who use eco-friendly practices.
Phoebe co-founded Phia, a sustainable fashion tech platform, which aims to make shopping for secondhand clothing more accessible and waste-conscious.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
In addition to her work in fashion, Phoebe launched a podcast called “The Burnouts” in 2025, focusing on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to social issues.
The podcast is co-hosted with her former roommate and current business partner, Sofia Kianni.
Like her siblings, Phoebe is also passionate about public health.
She has attended the United Nations General Assembly with her mother and worked with Partners in Health in Rwanda, an organization supported by the Gates Foundation.
A Family of Impact
While the Gates children live private lives, their careers and philanthropic pursuits reflect their parents’ values and dedication to improving global health and education.
Bill Gates, despite his overwhelming wealth, has said that his children will inherit “less than 1%” of his fortune, with the majority of his estate going to the Gates Foundation.
Through their work in medicine, fashion, and social impact, Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe continue to shape their own legacies while contributing to the causes their parents have long championed.
With their diverse passions and accomplishments, the Gates children are carving out paths that reflect the values of their extraordinary family.
