Ethel Caterham, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, has celebrated her 117th birthday.
Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in the United Kingdom and has lived through more than a century of major historical events and social changes. She was born during the reign of King Edward VII and has witnessed several generations of the British royal family.
She marked the remarkable milestone privately with family and friends and expressed appreciation for the numerous birthday messages she received.
“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!” she said.
“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!”
One of the memorable moments of her recent years was meeting King Charles III in September 2025. During the meeting, Caterham reportedly recalled watching his investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969.
Guinness World Records recognised Caterham as the world’s oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116 last year.
She also holds the record as the world’s oldest living woman.
Caterham has previously attributed her longevity partly to her approach to life, saying:
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said.
Caterham is the seventh of eight siblings, with one of her siblings reportedly reaching the age of 104.
She was married to Norman Caterham, who died in 1976, and has outlived her two daughters, Gem and Anne.
The 117-year-old is now a grandmother of three and great-grandmother of five.
During her younger years, Caterham worked as a nanny before later running a nursery. She currently lives in a care home in Surrey, England.
According to Guinness World Records, her 117th birthday was celebrated privately alongside her family.