World’s oldest person Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday

Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday, after a year she described as having 'many firsts,' including meeting King Charles III.

Caterham, who resides at Hallmark Lakeview care home in Lightwater, Surrey, spent her birthday with family and friends.

In a statement, Caterham said, 'Thank you for all the kind birthday wishes. Even at 117, this year has brought many firsts, from stroking a llama to holding the King’s hand.'

King Charles III visited her last September, shortly after she turned 116. During their meeting, Caterham recalled his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969, when he was 21, telling him: 'All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.'

Caterham was born in Hampshire on August 21, 1909, four years before the outbreak of World War I, and has witnessed six monarchs ascend the British throne. She is the last living person to have lived during the reign of King Edward VII, who died in May 1910.

Caterham became the world’s oldest living person in April 2023, following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116.

Asked about the secret to her longevity, Caterham credits three simple things: avoiding arguments, listening to others, and doing what she loves.

Caterham is also among the oldest people to survive COVID-19, having contracted the virus in 2020 at the age of 110, according to Guinness World Records.

The record for the oldest person ever remains with Jeanne Calment of France, who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.