World’s Oldest Person Ethel Caterham Celebrates 117th Birthday
SURREY — Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday, marking an extraordinary milestone that officially cement...
SURREY — Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday, marking an extraordinary milestone that officially cements her place in British history. Living at the Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey, she is now recognized as the first person from the United Kingdom to ever reach this age.
Surrounded by family and friends, Caterham enjoyed a celebratory afternoon tea complete with a musical performance by a Frank Sinatra tribute singer, who performed her favorite song, "Three Coins in a Fountain." Her historic achievement offers a rare, living link to a bygone era, capturing the attention of well-wishers globally as she continues to defy the limits of human longevity.
A Journey Across Generations
Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham grew up as the seventh of eight children in a household that lacked electricity and running water. She was born during the final year of King Edward VII's reign, making her the monarch's last surviving subject. Her life has since spanned two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, and the Russian Revolution.
As an adventurous 18-year-old in 1927, she traveled alone to India to work as an au pair for a military family. It was back in the UK in 1931 that she met her future husband, Norman Caterham, a British Army lieutenant colonel, at a dinner party. The couple married in 1933 and eventually relocated to Hong Kong, where she established a nursery school. Norman passed away in 1976, and she was also predeceased by her two daughters.
Resilience and Royal Recognition
In April 2025, Caterham became the world's oldest living person following the death of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who passed away at the age of 116. Beyond her extreme age, Caterham is also distinguished as one of the oldest individuals to survive COVID-19, having overcome the virus in 2020 when she was 110 years old.
Her remarkable life has drawn high-profile admirers. Last September, shortly after her 116th birthday, she received a visit from King Charles III. During their meeting, she lightheartedly recalled his 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales, telling the King that all the young women at the time were in love with him.
Looking Toward the Future
Even after more than a century of life, Caterham remains enthusiastic about experiencing new things. In a message shared through her care home, she expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes, noting that her 117th year has already brought unique moments, including stroking a llama and meeting the King.
Warm wishes also arrived from abroad, with the world's oldest living man, João Marinho Neto, sending his congratulations from Brazil. Looking ahead, Caterham said she had a wonderful day celebrating and is eager to see what the coming year will bring.
