Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, turned 117 on August 21, 2026, becoming the first verified Briton to reach that age, according to Guinness World Records. Born in 1909, she has lived through two World Wars, six British monarchs, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which she survived at age 110. Her life includes traveling alone to India at 18, driving until 97, and meeting King Charles III in September 2025.
A Life Spanning Centuries and Continents
Caterham was born in Hampshire in 1909, during the reign of Edward VII, before the First World War, television, or the technological revolution. She is believed to be the last surviving subject of Edward VII and the last living person born in 1909. At 18, she boarded a ship alone and traveled to India, where she worked as an au pair for a British military family. The journey took about three weeks, and she remained in India until she was 21.
Returning to Britain, she met Norman Caterham, a British Army officer, at a dinner party in 1931. They married in Salisbury Cathedral in 1933. His military career took them to Gibraltar and Hong Kong, where Caterham established a nursery for British and local children, teaching English, games, and crafts. The couple later returned to Britain and raised two daughters, Gem and Anne.
Overcoming Loss and Driving Until 97
When Norman died in 1976, Caterham was 67. Instead of settling into a sedentary lifestyle, she took over his Triumph Dolomite and continued driving until she was 97. She also remained interested in contract bridge well into her centenarian years, emphasizing the importance of keeping busy and finding hobbies after retirement.
Caterham outlived her husband and both daughters. Gem died in the early 2000s, while Anne died in February 2020 at 82. That same year, at 110, Caterham contracted COVID-19 and survived, making her one of the oldest known people to recover from the disease.
Meeting King Charles and Celebrating 117
Caterham became the world's oldest living person in April 2025, after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at 116. She celebrated her 117th birthday with family and friends at her care home in Lightwater, Surrey, where the garden has been renamed "Ethel's Garden" in her honor. The celebration included afternoon tea and a Frank Sinatra tribute singer performing her favorite song, "Three Coins in the Fountain."
King Charles III visited her in September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday. Caterham recalled watching his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales and teased him, saying all the girls had been in love with him and wanted to marry him. She was born during the reign of Charles's great-great-grandfather, Edward VII, and lived to see him become King.
No Magic Formula for Longevity
Caterham attributes her longevity to avoiding arguments, listening, doing what she likes, and maintaining a positive attitude. She has also encouraged people to say yes to opportunities and keep things in moderation. While her approach is not a scientific formula, researchers note that frequent or intense anger can trigger stress responses affecting the cardiovascular system.
Genetics, environment, healthcare, lifestyle, and chance all influence lifespan. Caterham's story highlights her actions: traveling to India at 18, building a nursery in Hong Kong, learning to drive after widowhood, and maintaining hobbies into old age. At 117, she remains curious about life and says she is looking forward to what the next year brings.
