Who is Paula Hurd, Bill Gates’ new girlfriend – or fiancée? The Microsoft billionaire is linked to the ex-CEO of Oracle’s widow – who’s also a philanthropist, tennis lover and tech professional

Jul 20 , 2023

Bill Gates has been romantically linked to Paula Hurd after his split with his ex-wife Melinda. Photos: Wiki Commons, Getty Images

Bill and Melinda Gates shocked the world with their separation announcement back in 2021 after their 27-year marriage – but the fifth-richest man in the world seems to have found new love

Hurd was recently spotted with Gates in NYC wearing a ring on her engagement finger, and they have also attended tennis events like the Laver Cup and Australian Open in January together

In May 2021, Bill Gates and his wife of 27 years, Melinda French Gates, shocked the world when they announced they were separating.

Melinda later opened up about an affair Bill had had with a staffer 20 years ago, and was widely reported as saying that, “I just realised I couldn’t trust what we had.” Their divorce was finalised in August 2021, with Melinda reportedly walking away with US$76 billion in the settlement.

Bill and Melinda Gates with their children. Photo: Melinda French Gates/Facebook

The couple share three children together: Jennifer, Phoebe and Rory. In an interview with BBC post-split, Bill was asked if he would like to find love again. His response was simple: “Sure, I’m not a robot.”

Now, not only has he managed to find love, there are even rumours that he may be engaged!

Here’s what you need to know about Paula Hurd, the woman who has caught the eye of one of the richest men on the planet.

Did Bill Gates give Paula Hurd a ring?

The internet went wild when images of Hurd wearing a ring on her engagement finger while out with Gates went viral. The pair was snapped together in New York City in July and her bling immediately sparked speculation.

But a representative of Hurd confirmed to People magazine that she has had the ring for “decades” and it does not “symbolise an engagement”. The denial has, however, not stopped rumours that Gates and Hurd’s relationship is serious and wedding bells may be on the cards.

So, how did their romance start?

Bill Gates and Paula Hurd are both fans of tennis. Photo: Getty Images

Back in October 2021, Hurd and Gates attended the BNP Paribas Open in California. According to People, they were not dating at the time and were not even seated together, but it’s the first time a public connection between them could be traced.