World’s Oldest Living Person Celebrates Her 117th Birthday.
Ethel Caterham, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living person, marked her 117th birthday on Friday — a milestone that places her among the longest‑lived people in recorded history.
🎂👵🌍 FLASH || Ethel Caterham, doyenne de l’humanité et dernière personne née dans les années 1900, fête aujourd’hui ses 117 ans. pic.twitter.com/WeGx9mSd7v
— Neural Space (@NeuralSpace_) August 21, 2026
A Birthday Full of “Firsts”
In a message shared with ABC News, Caterham expressed gratitude for the warm wishes and reflected on the surprising new experiences she has had this year.
“Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King!”
Last September, she met King Charles III, reminiscing with him about watching his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales — a memory stretching back more than half a century.
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A Life Spanning Three Centuries
Born August 21, 1909, during the reign of King Edward VII, Caterham has lived through dramatic global transformations: two world wars, the rise of modern technology, and the reigns of five British monarchs.
She became the world’s oldest living person last year after the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas (116). Guinness also recognizes her as the oldest living woman.
The organization celebrated her milestone with a public message, noting that holding both titles is “certainly something to celebrate.”
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The Secret to Longevity
Caterham previously told the Associated Press that her long life may be rooted in her calm approach to people:
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like.”
She grew up as the seventh of eight siblings — one of whom lived to 104 — suggesting longevity may run in the family.
Caterham outlived her husband Norman, who died in 1976, as well as their two daughters, Gem and Anne. Today, she is a grandmother of three and great‑grandmother of five.
From Nanny to Nursery Owner
In her younger years, Caterham worked as a nanny and later ran a nursery, dedicating her life to caring for children. She now resides in a care home in Surrey, England, where she celebrated her birthday privately with loved ones.
Key Facts
- 117 years old
- Recognized as the oldest living person and oldest living woman
- Born in 1909
- Met King Charles III in 2025
- Longevity secret: avoid arguments, stay calm
