World’s oldest person Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday

Ethel Caterham, currently the world's oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday. The milestone year saw Caterham living through a series of "firsts," including meeting King Charles III. Residing at Hallmark Lakeview care home in Lightwater, Surrey, she spent the day with loved ones. Caterham expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes, stating that the year had brought numerous firsts, such as stroking a llama and holding the King's hand.

King Charles III had visited her in September of the previous year during her 116th birthday. During their meeting, Caterham recalled the time he was Prince of Wales in 1969, telling him, "All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you." Born in Hampshire on August 21, 1909, Caterham has witnessed six monarchs reign over Britain.

She is the last remaining individual who lived during King Edward VII's reign, which ended in May 1910. Caterham became the world's oldest living person in April 2023, following the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at age 116. When asked about her secret to longevity, Caterham credits avoiding arguments, listening to others, and doing what she loves.

She is also among the oldest people to have survived COVID-19, having contracted the virus in 2020 at age 110, according to Guinness World Records. The record for the oldest person ever belongs to Jeanne Calment of France, who passed away in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.