What’s left to like about Gates with loyalty gone?

ALTHOUGH they have probably never set foot in this country, Bill and Melinda Gates’s coupledom is almost as ingrained in our culture as Bono and Ali, Gay and Kathleen, Barack and Michelle. Rocksolid couples who only death can sunder. Except we were mistaken about the fourth richest couple on the planet who, after 27 years of marriage and three children, are going their separate ways.

Bill and Melinda, above, say that they ended their marriage because they ‘no longer believe we can grow together as a couple’. Me neither.

Two years ago, on their 25th anniversary, they seemed delighted with one another, saying they couldn’t wait for the next 25 years together, so whatever has come between them is relatively new.

With their vast portfolio of mansions, land and private jets the Gateses can have separate lives. Unlike many middle-aged couples, who have no joint interests, after the glue of child rearing has worn away, they still share their foundation.

The split removes them of their image as a loyal and committed couple, their most appealing virtue. We’ll see if their reputation suffers in other ways as they move further from one another.