They are one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential couples.
It was a trip to Africa in 1993 – just months before they would wed– that the two say inspired their commitment to philanthropy, and the establishment of the Gates Foundation in 2000, with its $50 billion endowments.
This may explain why the pair’s announcement this week – that they’re splitting – has left some organizations around the world nervous.
CGTN’s Roee Ruttenberg reports.