World's oldest living person Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday in Surrey

Birthday celebrations in Surrey

Ethel Caterham, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey. Family members, friends, and care facility residents joined her for the occasion. Caterham reflected on her recent experiences and expressed gratitude for the greetings sent from across the globe.

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. I've had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings.

The interaction with King Charles III took place in September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday. During that visit, Caterham recalled attending his investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969, remarking to the monarch that all the young women at the time were keen to marry him.

A century of global travel and family life

Born as Ethel May Collins on 21 August 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, she grew up in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as the second-youngest among eight siblings. She remains the last surviving British subject born under the reign of King Edward VII, who died in May 1910. In 1927, at age 18, she traveled by ship to British India to work as an au pair and nanny for a military family, staying for three years before returning to the United Kingdom.

In 1931, she met British Army officer Norman Caterham at a dinner party, marrying him two years later in 1933. The couple lived in Salisbury before postings took them to Gibraltar and Hong Kong, where Caterham established a nursery school. Her husband, who attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, died in 1976. The couple raised two daughters, Gem and Anne, both of whom passed away before their mother. Caterham currently has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Independence and health into supercentenarian years

Following her husband's death in 1976, Caterham maintained an independent lifestyle, learning how to drive at age 67 and continuing to drive until age 97. In her centenarian years, she regularly played contract bridge. Longevity ran in her family; her sister Gladys lived to 104 years of age.

In 2020, at age 110, Caterham contracted and recovered from Covid-19, placing her among the oldest documented survivors of the illness. When asked about her long life, she attributed her longevity to personal moderation and an avoidance of conflict.

I never argue with anyone. I listen to what they say, and then do as I like.

Global recognition and longevity records

Caterham assumed the title of the world's oldest living person in April 2025 following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at age 116. With her latest birthday, Caterham became the first British person in recorded history to reach 117 years of age, as well as one of 13 people ever documented to achieve the milestone.

The milestone brought congratulations from abroad, including a greeting from the world's oldest living man, João Marinho Neto of Brazil, aged 113. Neto sent a photograph holding a sign reading "Parabéns Ethel", marking their second direct birthday exchange. The verified all-time longevity record remains held by French supercentenarian Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.