Who is Rory John Gates, Bill Gates’ Son? All About Gate’s Only Son and Microsoft Heir

Though he has rarely been seen in the public eye, Rory made a rare appearance at the White House in 2024, attending a state dinner with his mother to mark his 25th birthday. This event, though special in its own right, is only a small glimpse into the life of a young man who is not defined by his family’s fortune but by his own academic and philanthropic pursuits.

Rory is perhaps best known for his low-key lifestyle, his love for puzzles, and his close relationship with his mother, Melinda. Yet, as his path unfolds, it’s clear that Rory is navigating life with intention—focused on education, the pursuit of knowledge, and contributing to the causes that matter most to him. As he matures into his late 20s, there is growing interest in where his journey might take him next.

How Did Rory John Gates Grow Up?

Rory Gates grew up in one of the most luxurious homes in the world, the Gates family’s $150 million mansion, known as Xanadu 2.0. Located on the shores of Lake Washington in Medina, Washington, the 66,000-square-foot mansion is a symbol of the family’s immense wealth. However, despite their unimaginable fortune, Bill and Melinda Gates made sure their three children—Rory, along with his sisters Jennifer and Phoebe—grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and humility.

Rory, like his sisters, was raised under strict household rules. For example, he didn’t get a mobile phone until he was 14, and when he did, it came with limitations such as no phone usage at the dinner table and limited screen time. Bill Gates has often spoken about how he and Melinda raised their children with values of hard work and discipline, even as they lived in an extraordinary environment. This balanced approach to parenting has helped shape Rory into a grounded individual who is often described as compassionate and thoughtful.

Growing up in such a unique setting also allowed Rory to observe the hard work and philanthropy of his parents firsthand, inspiring his own interest in global issues and social causes.

What Was Rory Gates’ Education Like?

Rory Gates (left) and other students on the University of Chicago Moot Court Team in a photo posted in November 2018.
Source: University of Chicago Moot Court Team/Facebook

Rory Gates’ education reflects the intellectual pedigree of his parents. He attended Lakeside School, an elite private school in Seattle, where his father had also been a student. Lakeside has long been recognized for its excellence in STEM education, making it the perfect environment for Rory, who has shown a keen interest in technology and problem-solving from a young age.

After completing high school, Rory went on to study at Duke University, following in his mother’s footsteps, as Melinda also attended the university. Rory pursued a double major in computer software engineering and economics, which seemed to be a natural choice for someone with his background. His academic prowess continued as he went on to earn a master’s degree, cementing his reputation as an intelligent and driven individual.

In 2022, Rory graduated from the University of Chicago, where he reportedly became active in moot court, further showcasing his passion for learning and his academic excellence. This accomplishment was celebrated by his family, with his sister Jennifer Gates Nassar sharing heartfelt messages and photos in support of her brother.

What Are Rory Gates’ Interests and Passions?

Rory and his sisters, Jennifer and Phoebe.
Source: Facebook

Rory Gates, who is known for his love of puzzles, has often been described as introspective and curious. His mother, Melinda French Gates, once wrote a personal essay for TIME in 2017, describing her son as compassionate and well-read. Rory has inherited not only his father’s intellectual curiosity but also his commitment to social causes.

His passion for puzzles is symbolic of his approach to life: methodical, thoughtful, and eager to solve complex problems. Rory has grown into a well-rounded individual with a deep understanding of global issues, influenced by his parents’ philanthropic work.

Melinda has also spoken about how Rory embraces gender equality, calling him a feminist who is not afraid to challenge unfair norms. His open discussions about gender issues reflect his commitment to creating a more equal and just society—a value he undoubtedly learned from his parents, who have dedicated much of their wealth and influence to fighting global inequality.

What Is Rory Gates’ Relationship with His Family?

Melinda and Bill Gates with their children, Jennifer, Phoebe and Rory.
Source: Instagram

Rory Gates is incredibly close to his mother, Melinda, and has a warm relationship with his sisters, Jennifer and Phoebe. Melinda describe him as someone who didn’t shy away from discussing important issues, including gender equality. Rory’s progressive views on these topics reflect the values instilled in him by his parents, who raised him to be socially conscious and open-minded.

Rory’s family also celebrates milestones together. In 2021, he attended his sister Jennifer’s wedding to equestrian Nayel Nassar, where his parents, Bill and Melinda, put aside their differences and reunited to support their daughter. The event was a powerful reminder that, despite their divorce, the Gates family continues to prioritize each other’s happiness and achievements.

What Is Rory Gates Doing Now?

Rory Gates.
Source: Instagram

While Rory Gates is relatively private, reports have surfaced that he has been active behind the scenes, working as a congressional analyst and pursuing a doctorate. A report from Puck indicated that Rory is seen as a “rich target” for influence-peddlers, a byproduct of his family’s immense wealth and visibility. Despite his privacy, he has continued to contribute to causes he believes in. His recent public giving includes a contribution to Nikki Haley’s campaign, signaling his interest in politics and the future of his country.

Rory’s life may seem quiet in comparison to his father’s high-profile public presence, but his actions demonstrate that he is thoughtful and intentional about the impact he wants to have. As he continues his journey, it’s clear that Rory has inherited his family’s drive for excellence while forging his own path forward.

How Much Will Rory Inherit from Bill Gates?

The Gates family, L-R, Melinda, Jennifer, Phoebe, R, Rory and Bill.
Source: Bill Gates/Facebook

It’s widely known that Bill Gates has expressed his intention to leave most of his wealth to charity. In a 2011 interview, he revealed that he planned to give his children a “minuscule portion” of his fortune, with much of his billions going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This decision aligns with Bill’s longstanding belief in philanthropy and his desire to reduce global inequality.

Though Rory and his siblings may not inherit billions, their upbringing has ensured that they are well-equipped to contribute to society in their own ways. Rory’s interest in social issues and his academic achievements point to a future where he can continue his family’s philanthropic legacy.

FAQs

How old is Rory Gates? Rory Gates was born on May 23, 1999, making him 25 years old as of February, 2025.

What does Rory Gates do for work? Rory Gates is currently working as a congressional analyst while also pursuing a doctorate. He is also involved in philanthropy and has made public donations, including to Nikki Haley’s political campaign.

What are Rory Gates’ interests? Rory is known for his love of puzzles and has expressed a deep interest in global issues, particularly those related to gender equality and philanthropy.

What did Rory Gates study at university? Rory Gates attended Duke University, where he majored in computer software engineering and economics. He later earned a master’s degree and graduated from the University of Chicago in 2022.

How much will Rory Gates inherit from his father, Bill Gates? Bill Gates has publicly stated that he plans to leave only a “minuscule portion” of his fortune to his children, with most of his wealth being donated to charity through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.