Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, has celebrated her 117th birthday, becoming the first verified person from Britain to reach the milestone.
Caterham, who was born on August 21, 1909, marked the occasion with family and friends at the care home where she lives in Surrey, England.
Guinness World Records confirmed that Caterham is the first British person in recorded history to reach the age of 117.
Her latest milestone adds to a remarkable longevity record. She previously became the first British person to reach 116 last year after inheriting the title of the world’s oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas.
Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, described Caterham’s longevity record as historic, particularly in Britain.
“Her longevity is becoming truly historic, especially in terms of the UK. After becoming the first British person to reach age 116 a year ago, she is now the first British person to reach 117,” he said.
Meyers added that Caterham is the 13th-oldest person ever verified and remains the last known living person born before 1910.
Speaking to PA Media, Caterham said she enjoyed celebrating her birthday with loved ones.
“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings,” she said.
Caterham has lived through some of the most significant events of the past century, including two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the Russian Revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Guinness World Records, she also survived COVID-19 after contracting the virus in 2020 at the age of 110.
Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham was the second youngest of eight children. At 18, she travelled alone to India, where she worked as a nanny.
She married Major Norman Caterham in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral and later lived with him in Hong Kong, where she established a nursery before returning to Surrey.
Her husband died in 1976, while both of her daughters have also passed away. She now has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
Caterham was also visited by King Charles in September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday. During their meeting, she recalled seeing him at his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales.
“All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you,” she reportedly told the King.
At 117, Caterham continues to hold the title of the world’s oldest living person, while her record places her among the very small number of people whose verified lifespan has exceeded 115 years.
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