By Enitan Abdultawab
Ethel Caterham, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, has marked her 117th birthday, becoming one of the few people to reach such an extraordinary milestone.
Born on August 21, 1909, in the United Kingdom, Caterham has lived through more than a century of major historical changes. She was born during the reign of King Edward VII and has witnessed the lives of several generations of the British royal family.
Caterham marked her birthday with family and friends and shared a message thanking people for their good wishes.
“Thank you for all of the kind birthday wishes. Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King!” she said.
“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!”
One of the highlights of Caterham’s recent years was meeting King Charles III in September 2025. During their meeting, she reportedly shared memories of watching his investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969.
Guinness World Records recognised Caterham as the world’s oldest living person after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas died at the age of 116 last year.
Caterham is also recognised as the world’s oldest living woman.
Caterham previously suggested that her approach to life may have contributed to her remarkable longevity.
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said.
She is the seventh of eight siblings, with one of her siblings reportedly living to the age of 104.
Caterham was married to Norman Caterham, who died in 1976. She also outlived her two daughters, Gem and Anne.
Today, she is a grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of five.
In her younger years, Caterham worked as a nanny and later ran a nursery. She now lives in a care home in Surrey, England.
Her 117th birthday was celebrated privately with her family, according to Guinness World Records.
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