Phoebe Gates, the youngest daughter of tech mogul Bill Gates and philanthropist Melinda French Gates, has officially confirmed her relationship with Arthur Donald, the grandson of Beatles legend Paul McCartney. The announcement came through a photo diary published in Nylon magazine, where Phoebe shared intimate moments from her recent graduation from Stanford University.
Phoebe, who graduated with a degree in human biology, shared a heartwarming photo of Arthur giving her a piggyback ride after the commencement ceremony. “My boyfriend, Arthur, giving me a lift post-ceremony,” she captioned the image. Another photo from the graduation party showed the couple looking elegant, with Phoebe in a baby blue dress and Arthur in a navy blue blazer and matching t-shirt. “He cleans up nicely,” she noted.
The relationship between Phoebe and Arthur has been the subject of speculation for months. The couple first sparked romance rumors in October 2023 when Phoebe posted a photo of them smiling in front of the Eiffel Tower on Instagram, captioned “Paris on film.” They also attended the premiere of FX’s “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” in New York City earlier this year. However, Phoebe had previously declined to comment on their relationship status in an interview with Bustle last March.
Arthur Donald, 25, is the eldest grandchild of Paul McCartney. He is the son of Mary McCartney, a British photographer, and her ex-husband, TV producer Alistair Donald. Arthur attended University College School in London before transferring to Yale University, where he graduated in 2021 with a degree in history. He currently works as an investor at the Collaborative Fund and has previously held positions at Beehouse, Goldman Sachs, and Lucasfilm.
Phoebe’s relationship with Arthur is not entirely surprising given the close ties between their families. Phoebe’s mother, Melinda French Gates, has a longstanding friendship with Arthur’s aunt, fashion designer Stella McCartney. In August 2023, Phoebe and her roommate Sophia Kianni collaborated with Stella on a capsule bag collection to honor the Women’s Tennis Association and the 50th anniversary of the US Open. This collaboration also served as a promotion for Phoebe’s upcoming digital fashion platform, Phia.
In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily in October 2022, Phoebe revealed her admiration for Stella McCartney. “She and my mom are actually good friends,” Phoebe said. “Even when I was little, she would send me stuff and little notes, and I’d be so excited. I’ve been asking my mom forever and ever if I could meet with her.” Phoebe eventually met Stella while interning at British Vogue, and the two “instantly hit it off.”
Phoebe’s journey to graduation was marked by a significant milestone: her mother, Melinda, delivered the commencement speech at Stanford University. “My mother delivering the 133rd Stanford commencement address – graduating early to watch her deliver this was a dream come true!” Phoebe wrote in her photo diary. She completed her bachelor’s degree in just three years, inspired by the opportunity to witness her mother’s speech as a graduate.
Phoebe is the youngest of three children born to Bill and Melinda Gates, who divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. Her older siblings are Jennifer, 28, and Rory, 23. Phoebe was previously in a relationship with fellow Stanford student Robert Ross.
Arthur, on the other hand, was romantically linked to Ava Phillippe, the daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, in 2018. Despite their high-profile backgrounds, both Phoebe and Arthur have managed to carve out their own identities and careers. Phoebe is a budding fashion entrepreneur, while Arthur has established himself in the investment world.
The couple’s relationship has been met with enthusiasm from fans and followers, who have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of their romance. With their shared backgrounds of privilege and public scrutiny, Phoebe and Arthur seem to have found common ground and mutual understanding.
As they continue to navigate their relationship, both Phoebe and Arthur appear committed to making their own marks on the world, leveraging their unique positions to drive positive change. Phoebe’s focus on sustainable fashion and Arthur’s work in investment reflect their individual passions and aspirations.
In a world where celebrity relationships often dominate headlines, Phoebe and Arthur’s story stands out for its blend of legacy, ambition, and genuine connection. As they move forward together, they are likely to continue capturing the public’s imagination, not just for their famous lineage, but for the impact they aim to make in their respective fields.
Source: Nylon, People, Women’s Wear Daily, Bustle
