World's Oldest Person Ethel Caterham Celebrates 117th Birthday

Aug 22, 2026

63 min

Aug 22, 2026 02:31

World’s oldest person Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday

## A Historic Milestone

Ethel Caterham, recognized as the world's oldest living person, has celebrated her 117th birthday in Surrey, UK. She is the first British supercentenarian to reach this age, a milestone verified by Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest.

## A Life Spanning Eras

Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham is the last surviving person born during King Edward VII's reign. Her life has witnessed significant historical events, including two World Wars and the Covid-19 pandemic, which she survived at the age of 110.

## Personal Journey

At 18, Caterham traveled alone to India, working as a nanny for a military family. She later married British Army Major Norman Caterham in 1933, and they lived in various countries, including Hong Kong, where she founded a kindergarten.

## Celebrations and Reflections

Caterham marked her birthday surrounded by family and friends, expressing joy and anticipation for the future. King Charles III visited her in 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday, where she reminisced about his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

## Family Legacy

Caterham has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. Despite her remarkable age, the record for the longest human lifespan remains with Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents

LinkedIn X Facebook WhatsApp Telegram