Divorce: Bill and Melinda Gates end marriage after 27 years

Bill and Melinda Gates have revealed they have opted for divorce after a 27-year marriage union.

Now the world’s fourth wealthiest man, Bill Gates met Melinda at his Microsoft company where she worked.

With three children in their union, the Gates say they had irreconcilable differences and chose divorce.

“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” the couple tweeted.

“We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the [Bill and Melinda] foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives.”

Bill and Melinda Gates added: “We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”