The news was announced via a statement of his son’s official website.

Mr Gates Jr said: “My dad passed away peacefully at home yesterday, surrounded by his family.

“We will miss him more than we can express right now.

“My dad’s passing was not unexpected—he was 94 years old and his health had been declining—so we have all had a long time to reflect on just how lucky we are to have had this amazing man in our lives for so many years.”

More to follow…