World’s Oldest Person Turns 117: Meet Ethel Caterham
Meet Ethel Caterham: The World’s Oldest Person at 117 Years Young!
A Very Special Birthday
Imagine blowing out 117 candles on your birthday cake! That’s exactly what British super-centenarian Ethel Caterham did on Friday, August 21st. She celebrated this incredible milestone surrounded by family and friends at her care home in Surrey, England—about 25 miles outside of London.
IMPORTANT POINT
Ethel is officially the oldest living person in the world AND the first British person ever to reach 117 years old, according to Guinness World Records!
A Life That Spans History
Ethel was born on August 21, 1909 in a tiny village called Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire, southern England. Think about this: she was born when King Edward VII was on the throne! She’s the last surviving person born during his reign.
Major Historical Events Ethel Has Lived Through:
- Two World Wars (WWI and WWII)
- The sinking of the Titanic (1912)
- The Russian Revolution (1917)
- The COVID-19 pandemic — and she survived it at age 110 in 2020!
A Royal Visit & A Cheeky Comment
In September 2024 (shortly after her 116th birthday), King Charles III paid Ethel a visit. During their chat, Ethel showed her sharp memory and sense of humor.
She recalled Charles’ 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales (when he was just 21) and told him:
"All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you!"
An Adventurous Life Story
Ethel’s life reads like an adventure novel! Here are the highlights:
1. Brave Young Woman
- Born as the second youngest of 8 children
- At age 18, she traveled ALONE to India
- Worked as a nanny for a military family
2. Love & Marriage
- Met Major Norman Caterham at a dinner party in 1931
- Married two years later (1933)
- Together for over 40 years until his death in 1976
3. World Travelers
- Lived in Salisbury, England
- Moved to Hong Kong where Ethel founded a kindergarten!
- Eventually returned to Britain
4. Family Tree
- 2 daughters (both have since passed away)
- 3 granddaughters
- 5 great-grandchildren
Birthday Wishes From Around the World
The world’s oldest man, João Marinho Neto from Brazil , sent Ethel birthday wishes! Two record-holders connecting across the globe — how cool is that?
How Close Is She to the All-Time Record?
| Person | Age | Country | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethel Caterham | 117 | UK | Current Oldest Living |
| Jeanne Calment | 122 years, 164 days | France | All-Time Record Holder (died 1997) |
Ethel still has about 5.5 years to catch Jeanne’s incredible record!
Summary
- Ethel Caterham turned 117 on August 21, 2024
- She’s the world’s oldest living person and first Briton to reach 117
- Born in 1909 — she’s witnessed over a century of history
- Survived COVID-19 at age 110
- Lived an adventurous life: India, Hong Kong, world traveler
- Met King Charles and charmed him with a funny memory
- Still 5+ years shy of the all-time human longevity record
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How old is the oldest person ever recorded?
A: Jeanne Calment from France holds the record at 122 years and 164 days. She passed away in 1997.
Q2: Where does Ethel Caterham live?
A: She lives in a care home in Surrey, England, about 25 miles outside London.
Q3: Did Ethel really survive COVID-19 at 110?
A: Yes! According to Guinness World Records, she contracted the virus in 2020 at age 110 and recovered — making her one of the oldest survivors ever.
Q4: What did Ethel say to King Charles?
A: She remembered his 1969 ceremony when he became Prince of Wales and joked: "All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you."
Q5: Who is the world’s oldest man?
A: João Marinho Neto from Brazil. He sent Ethel birthday wishes for her 117th!
Final Thought: Ethel Caterham isn’t just old — she’s a living history book with a sharp mind, a great sense of humor, and an incredible life story. Here’s to many more birthdays, Ethel!