A Surrey care home resident has made history after becoming the first British person ever verified to reach the age of 117.
Ethel Caterham, who is officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, celebrated the milestone surrounded by loved ones. Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, on 21 August 1909 as the second youngest of eight children, she is the final surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII.
Reflecting on the occasion, she said: “I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings.”
At 18, she embarked on a solo journey to India to work as a nanny, before marrying Major Norman Caterham at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933. The couple later spent time in Hong Kong, where she set up a nursery, before settling in Surrey. Having outlived her husband, who passed away in 1976, as well as both of her daughters, she now has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
Her remarkably long life has witnessed seismic historical events, including two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the sinking of the Titanic. In 2020, at the age of 110, she also became one of the world’s oldest survivors of Covid-19.
Shortly after her 116th birthday, she received a visit from King Charles. Recalling his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, she told him: “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.”
LongeviQuest CEO Ben Meyers praised her enduring legacy, noting: “Simply put, she is incredible!”
According to Guinness World Records, Caterham remains the last living person born before 1910, ranking as the 13th oldest validated person in history. Her milestone comes amidst continuing fascination from the global scientific community regarding the limits of human longevity.