Mr Gates continued to play the key role in the company's growth.

BBC: Bill Gates

Even after that, however, Gates indicated that a continued role of some kind is likely.

CNN: Gates says missile attacks in Pakistan will continue

The charm offensive continued outside the gates to Downing Street, where the minister bumped into the photographer behind last week's pictures, Steve Back, and offered him a warm handshake.

BBC: Welsh Secretary walks and talks

Obviously the President is deeply grateful for the continued service that Secretary Gates provides the Pentagon, our men and women in uniform, and the entire country, and was glad that he is staying on the helm at the Pentagon.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

More pertinently, they have continued to see a worrying fall in gates at the Deva, which is owned by the Chester city council.

BBC: Vaughan puts Chester up for sale

Gates also pushed innovation during a question and answer session Thursday, and continued to press his case for increased government spending on energy research and development.

FORBES: Bill Gates Still Believes In A Carbon Tax