Key Takeaways
- Ethel Caterham turned 117 on 21 August 2026, becoming the world’s oldest living person.
- She met King Charles III in September 2025, recalling his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales.
- Caterham attributes her longevity to avoiding arguments, listening to others, and pursuing activities she enjoys.
- She survived COVID‑19 at age 110 and previously held the title of Oldest Person after Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas’s death in April 2025.
- Her life spans six British monarchs, beginning with Edward VII, and she outlived her husband, two daughters, and a centenarian sister.
- The all‑time record for human longevity remains Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years 164 days.
Celebrating a Record‑Breaking Birthday
Ethel Caterham marked her 117th birthday on 21 August 2026 with family and friends at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey. The occasion was highlighted by a heartfelt statement in which she thanked everyone for their birthday wishes and reflected on a year filled with “many firsts.” Among those firsts were stroking a llama and, most notably, holding hands with King Charles III. The celebration underscored not only her remarkable age but also the joy she continues to find in everyday experiences.
A Royal Encounter Remembered
In September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday, Caterham received a visit from King Charles III at her care home. During their meeting, she reminisced about his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, when he was just 21 years old. She told the monarch, “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.” This anecdote illustrates her sharp memory and the personal connection she forged with the current British sovereign, making her one of the few living people to have interacted with six different monarchs.
Historical Context of Her Lifetime
Born on 21 August 1909 in Hampshire, Caterham entered the world five years before the outbreak of the First World War. Over her lifespan, she has witnessed six British monarchs ascend the throne: Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, Elizabeth II, and now Charles III. As the last surviving subject of Edward VII, who died in May 1910, she provides a living link to a bygone era of British history, having lived through two world wars, the decolonization of Africa and Asia, and the digital revolution.
How She Earned the Title of Oldest Person
Following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025 at age 116, Caterham inherited the title of the world’s oldest living person. Guinness World Records officially recognized her achievement, noting her remarkable resilience and health. The transition of the title highlights the rarity of supercentenarians and the intense global interest in understanding the factors that enable such extreme longevity.
Secrets to a Long Life
When asked about her secret to reaching 117, Caterham offered three simple principles: avoid arguments, listen to others, and do what she likes. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace in relationships, staying socially engaged through active listening, and pursuing personal pleasures—whether that be gardening, reading, or spending time with animals. This holistic outlook aligns with research suggesting that low stress, strong social ties, and purposeful activities contribute significantly to lifespan extension.
Surviving COVID‑19 at an Advanced Age
Caterham is also notable for being one of the oldest individuals to have survived a COVID‑19 infection. She contracted the virus in 2020 at the age of 110, a time when the pandemic posed a severe threat to older adults. Her recovery, confirmed by medical staff at her care home, added to her list of extraordinary feats and provided hopeful evidence that age alone does not dictate outcomes from infectious diseases when supported by good care and resilience.
Family Life and Personal Losses
In 1931, Caterham met Norman, a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, at a dinner party in the United Kingdom. The couple married and later moved to Hong Kong, where she established a nursery school. Together they raised two daughters, both of whom predeceased her. Norman passed away in 1976, and one of her sisters, Gladys, also achieved centenarian status, living to 104. These personal losses have shaped her perspective on life, reinforcing her belief in cherishing moments and maintaining harmonious relationships.
Legacy in the Context of Human Longevity
While Caterham holds the current title of oldest living person, the all‑time record for human longevity remains with Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years 164 days before her death in 1997. Caterham’s life story adds valuable data to the ongoing scientific quest to understand the biological, lifestyle, and genetic determinants of extreme age. Her experiences continue to inspire both researchers and the public, illustrating that advanced age can be accompanied by vitality, humor, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys.