The Billionaire & The Mogul: 7 Shocking Secrets Of Martha Stewart’s 15-Year Romance With Charles Simonyi

The relationship between lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart and software billionaire Charles Simonyi remains one of the most intriguing and private chapters in celebrity dating history, recently thrust back into the spotlight by the 2024 Netflix documentary Martha. While many casual fans may wonder if "Charles" refers to the British monarch, the man who captured Stewart's heart for a decade and a half was a Hungarian-born tech genius responsible for creating the world's most ubiquitous software.

As of late 2024, the fascination with this powerful, on-again, off-again coupling is at an all-time high, revealing a complex dynamic that spanned from high-society dinners to a federal prison sentence. Simonyi, the architect behind Microsoft Word and Excel, was more than just a boyfriend; he was a steadfast, if non-committal, companion whose life has since taken him from the heights of Silicon Valley to the International Space Station—twice.

Charles Simonyi: The Billionaire Architect of Microsoft Office

Charles Simonyi is a Hungarian-born American software executive, philanthropist, and space tourist whose professional achievements fundamentally shaped the modern computing landscape. His relationship with Martha Stewart was just one facet of a truly extraordinary life.

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• Full Name: Charles Simonyi
• Born: September 10, 1948 (Age 77 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
• Citizenship: United States
• Occupation: Software Architect, Computer Programmer, Executive
• Notable Work: Chief Architect of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel (part of the Microsoft Office suite)
• Education: B.S. in Engineering Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University
• Estimated Net Worth (2024/2025): Approximately $7.5 - $8.14 Billion
• Marital Status: Married to Lisa Persdotter (m. 2008)
• Unique Distinction: Fifth private citizen (and only one to pay for two separate trips) to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) as a space tourist (2007 and 2009).

The 15-Year Saga: From Manhattan to the ISS

Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi's relationship began around 1993, following Stewart's divorce from her first husband, Andrew Stewart, in 1990. What followed was a 15-year, highly publicized, yet non-traditional romance that captured the attention of both the tech and lifestyle worlds.

1. The Power Couple Dynamic

The pairing was a true meeting of minds and fortunes. Stewart was building her media and lifestyle empire, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, while Simonyi was a key architect at Microsoft, responsible for developing the "Brave New World" of software. They were both fiercely intelligent, driven, and successful entrepreneurs. Simonyi often flew Martha around on his private jet, and they spent time together at her sprawling estates, including her home in East Hampton and Skylands in Maine.

2. The 'Second Husband' Title and Lack of Marriage

Despite the duration and intensity of their relationship, Simonyi never proposed marriage to Stewart. In her recent Netflix documentary, Stewart reportedly referred to Simonyi as her "second husband," highlighting the depth of their commitment, even without a formal wedding. Simonyi, however, was notoriously non-committal about marriage during their time together, a factor that ultimately contributed to their split.

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3. Standing by Her During the ImClone Scandal

One of the most telling aspects of their bond was Simonyi's unwavering support during Stewart's most challenging period: the ImClone insider trading scandal and her subsequent five-month prison sentence in 2004. Simonyi visited her while she was incarcerated at the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, often bringing her thoughtful gifts, including takeout from Alain Ducasse. His loyalty during this tumultuous time solidified the perception of their deep connection.

4. The Astronaut Ex-Boyfriend

Simonyi's passion for space exploration provided a unique, almost unbelievable, chapter to their story. In 2007, while still dating Martha, Simonyi became the fifth space tourist, paying a reported $25 million for a trip to the International Space Station (ISS). He even brought special food, including items from Martha Stewart's own recipes, into orbit with him. He would later make a second trip in 2009, long after their official split.

The End of an Era and Charles Simonyi’s Life Today

The 15-year relationship between Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi came to an end around 2008. The split was reportedly amicable, but it was driven by Simonyi's desire to finally settle down and start a family, something he had been hesitant to do with Stewart.

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5. The Swedish Model and Sudden Marriage

Shortly after their final breakup, Charles Simonyi married Lisa Persdotter, a Swedish model who was 33 years his junior. The speed of the marriage and the fact that Simonyi immediately pursued a family life with Persdotter—they have two children together—came as a shock to many, including Stewart's inner circle, as it was the commitment he had avoided with the lifestyle queen for so long.

6. The Philanthropic and Scientific Legacy

Today, Simonyi is still married to Lisa Persdotter and continues his career as a tech pioneer. He is a significant philanthropist, notably through the Charles and Lisa Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, which supports scientific and cultural institutions. His legacy is cemented not only by his work on Microsoft Office but also by his contributions to space exploration and his support for projects like the Simonyi Survey Telescope.

7. Addressing the "King Charles" Confusion

While the primary "Charles" in Martha Stewart's romantic life is Simonyi, the name occasionally sparks rumors related to King Charles III. This confusion is entirely unfounded. Martha Stewart has never been romantically linked to the British monarch. She has, however, openly discussed her dating life in recent years, joking that she hopes her friends "just die" so she can date their husbands, and confirming she has had "mad crushes," but remains officially single and focused on her career and brand.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

To fully appreciate the depth of this story, one must consider the key entities and related concepts that intersect with the lives of Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi. Their relationship was a nexus of technology, media, wealth, and high-stakes personal drama:

• Technology & Business: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, ImClone Systems, Software Architecture, Silicon Valley, Billionaire, Tech Pioneer, Microsoft.
• Personal & Media: Netflix Documentary Martha, Andrew Stewart (first husband), Lisa Persdotter, Snoop Dogg (collaborator), Space Tourism, International Space Station (ISS), Federal Prison Camp (Alderson).
• Lifestyle & Wealth: East Hampton, Skylands (Maine estate), Philanthropy, Simonyi Survey Telescope, Dating History, Lifestyle Mogul, Power Couple.

The enduring public interest in the Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi romance is a testament to the powerful allure of two titans from different worlds colliding. Their 15-year journey, marked by innovation, loyalty, and a final, unexpected divergence, remains a compelling narrative in the history of modern celebrity relationships.