Ethel Caterham, 117, Marks Birthday as World's Oldest Living Person

Ethel Caterham, who was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person in spring 2025, celebrated her 117th birthday on Aug. 21 at a care home in Surrey, England. She is the first Briton to reach the age and the 13th person globally to mark a 117th birthday, according to Ben Meyers, chief executive of the super-centenarian research group LongeviQuest.

In a statement to LongeviQuest, Caterham thanked well-wishers and noted several firsts she experienced this year, including a visit from King Charles III on Sept. 18. The monarch met her, held her hand and exchanged remarks about her status as the last surviving subject of Edward VII.

Caterham’s age has been validated by multiple bodies, including the European Supercentenarian Organisation and LongeviQuest. She previously set national milestones: oldest living person in Surrey at 109, oldest in the United Kingdom at 112, and oldest British person ever at 115.

Born on Aug. 21, 1909, in Hampshire, she worked as a nanny in India, later married Major Norman Caterham, and lived in Hong Kong where she ran a nursery. Today she enjoys garden walks, bird-watching and trivia games. Her birthday was marked by a Frank Sinatra impersonator performing her favorite song, “Three Coins in the Fountain.” Hundreds of messages from other super-centenarians, including Brazil’s João Marinho Neto, were also recorded.

"Thank you for all of the kind birthday wishes," Caterham said in her statement.

"I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings," she added.

The celebration was modest, reflecting Caterham’s preference for quiet activities despite the worldwide attention her milestone attracted.