Rory Gates, the only son of Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda French Gates, made a rare public appearance at a White House State dinner earlier this week.
The event, held in honor of Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and his wife, Rachel Ruto, coincided with Rory’s 25th birthday.
Early Life and Family:
Born in Seattle, Washington, Rory grew up in the Gates family’s impressive $150 million mansion, Xanadu 2.0.
He is the middle child, with two sisters: Jennifer, three years his senior, and Phoebe, three years younger.
Raised in an environment that valued both academic excellence and personal growth, Rory’s upbringing was both privileged and grounded.
Education and Achievements:
Rory followed in the footsteps of his father, attending the prestigious Lakeside School in Seattle.
His academic journey continued at Duke University, where he studied computer software engineering and economics, mirroring his parents’ strong educational backgrounds.
Rory furthered his education at the Fuqua School of Business, earning an MBA.
In 2022, he graduated from the University of Chicago, achieving a double major and a master’s degree in just four years.
Personal Interests and Values:
Despite his high-profile background, Rory leads a reserved life. He maintains private social media accounts and has a penchant for puzzles.
His mother, Melinda, has described him as compassionate and curious, qualities that reflect his thoughtful and introspective nature.
Melinda has also spoken about raising Rory as a feminist.
She emphasized his willingness to engage in discussions about gender equality and his support for women’s rights.
A Glimpse into the Future:
Rory’s recent appearance at the White House State dinner with his mother has sparked interest in his potential future endeavors.
While he currently maintains a low profile, his impressive educational background and the values he upholds suggest a promising future.
Whether he follows in his father’s footsteps at Microsoft or forges his own path, Rory Gates is a young man to watch.
Rory Gates (and Melinda) gets invited to another State Dinner. pic.twitter.com/lJTBj21jzY
— Teddy Schleifer (@teddyschleifer) May 23, 2024
