Ethel Caterham, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, has celebrated her 117th birthday with family and loved ones.
Caterham, who was born in Surrey, England, on August 21, 1909, has lived through more than a century of major historical events and witnessed generations of the British royal family.
Born during the reign of King Edward VII, Caterham has seen the British monarchy pass through several generations. She marked her 117th birthday privately with family at the care facility where she currently resides in Surrey.
In a message shared to mark the occasion, Caterham thanked people for their birthday wishes and reflected on some of the memorable experiences she has had during the past year.
“I appreciate all of your nice birthday greetings. I’ve experienced a lot of firsts this year, even at 117, including holding hands with the King and petting a llama,” she said.
“I’ve had a great day celebrating with my loved ones, and I’m excited to see what the upcoming year has in store!”
One of her notable recent experiences was meeting King Charles III in September 2025. During the encounter, Caterham reportedly recalled watching his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales.
Caterham became the world’s oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116. She is also recognised as the world’s oldest living woman.
Reflecting on her remarkable longevity, Caterham previously attributed her long life partly to her lifestyle and attitude.
“I listen, I never argue with anyone, and I do what I like,” she reportedly said.
Caterham is the seventh of eight siblings, with one of her siblings reportedly living to the age of 104.
She was married to Norman Caterham, who died in 1976. She outlived her two daughters, Gem and Anne, and is survived by three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In her younger years, Caterham worked as a babysitter before later running a nursery.
Now living in a care facility in Surrey, she continues to make history as one of the few people to have reached the remarkable age of 117.