ChicMe WW

'Special joy': Bill Gates' candid message about fatherhood

By Jo Abi|

Bill Gates has shared his joy at spending time with his grown children in his end-of-year blog post for 2023.

"For me, this will always be the year I became a grandparent," the Microsoft billionaire, 68, wrote.

"It will be the year I spent a lot of precious time with loved onesกชwhether on the pickleball court or over a rousing game of Settlers of Catan."

READ MORE: Jennifer Love Hewitt opens up about the pressures of ageing

Bill gates children
Bill Gates became a grandfather in 2023 with the arrival of his daughter Jennifer's first child, Leila. (Instagram)

Bill and Melinda Gates welcomed their first grandchild in April 6, with their daughter Jennifer Gates and her husband Nayel Nassar welcoming their daughter Leila.

Bill and Melinda split in 2022 after 27 years of marriage. They share three children จCJennifer, 27, Rory, 24, and Phoebe, 21.

The Microsoft founder spoke about the latest developments with AI and the most recent work by Microsoft before turning once again to his loved ones.

READ MORE: Meghan's royal family departure 'a loss for the monarchy', author says

Bill gates children
Gates spoke glowingly of his children in his end-of-year blog post. (Instagram)

"It's been a special joy to watch my children grow up to become invaluable sources of wisdom in their own right," Gates wrote.

"One of the highlights of my year was sharing the stage with Phoebe, my youngest, at the foundation's Goalkeepers event."

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here

Geographical baby names for keen travellers

In September, Phoebe moderated a panel at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Foundation in New York.

Bill shared on Instagram following the panel, praising his daughter for doing a remarkable job "speaking about the importance of women's power."?

?"I can always count on all three of my kids to keep me up to date on how young people see the worldกช and on the latest TikTok trends," he wrote.

"I'm looking forward to spending the holidays with them and recharging a bit."

READ MORE: Last-minute gift ideas that'll arrive before Christmas Eve

In his blog, Bill spoke about his realisation there is "more to life than work" as his children became older and he welcomed his first grandchild.?

"I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful new year," his sign-off read.

Property News: Expert predicts Sydney house prices could reach the $2 million median in two years' time.