While most people celebrate a birthday as a personal milestone, Ethel Caterham’s 117th birthday became a moment of global interest.
The British supercentenarian, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person and oldest living woman, celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026, surrounded by family and friends in Surrey, England.
Born Before the Titanic
Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, England. She entered the world more than a century ago, long before many of the technologies and conveniences that define modern life.
Her lifetime has stretched across extraordinary historical changes. She has lived through two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic era and the COVID-19 pandemic. She was 110 when she contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and survived.
That makes her life more than simply a longevity record—it is also a remarkable window into more than a century of history.
From Britain to India and Hong Kong
Caterham’s younger years were also far from ordinary.
At the age of 18, she travelled to India, where she worked as a nanny for a British family. She later lived in Hong Kong, where she established a kindergarten. Her experiences abroad became an important part of a life that crossed several countries and cultures.
She eventually returned to Britain, married Norman Caterham and raised two daughters. Today, she is a grandmother and great-grandmother.
A Meeting With King Charles
Caterham’s extraordinary age has brought some unusual experiences even in her later years.
In 2025, she met King Charles III, with whom she was able to recall watching his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales. The meeting connected two people whose lives span dramatically different generations of British history.
And turning 117 has not stopped her from experiencing new things. In a birthday message this year, Caterham highlighted some of her recent “firsts,” including stroking a llama and holding hands with the King.
Her Simple View of Life
Perhaps the most interesting part of Caterham’s story is that she does not present her longevity as the result of one extraordinary formula.
In previous comments, she has spoken about moderation, staying positive, accepting opportunities and avoiding unnecessary arguments. Her philosophy is remarkably straightforward: enjoy life, keep moving forward and do not spend too much time worrying about things that cannot be changed.
Of course, there is no scientifically proven recipe that guarantees a person will reach 117. Genetics, environment and many other factors can influence exceptional longevity.
A Record-Breaking Birthday
Caterham became the world’s oldest living person in April 2025, following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at 116. She now holds the distinction of being the oldest living person and oldest living woman according to Guinness World Records.
Her 117th birthday also marked another historic achievement: she became the first verified British person to reach 117.
Yet despite the remarkable record, her celebration remained relatively simple—a private gathering with family and friends at her care home in Surrey.
At 117, Ethel Caterham has witnessed a world that changed almost beyond recognition. From the early 20th century to the digital age, her extraordinary journey has stretched across generations—and, for now, the world’s oldest living person is still looking forward to seeing what another year might bring.
