The world’s oldest living person turns 117 on Friday.
Ethel Caterham, acknowledged by Guinness World Information because the world’s oldest residing individual, shared a message with ABC Information to mark her birthday.
“Thanks for the entire form birthday needs. Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this yr, from stroking a llama to holding arms with the King!” Caterham stated. “I’ve had a stunning day celebrating with my household and associates, and I sit up for seeing what subsequent yr brings!”
Ethel Caterham, acknowledged by Guinness World Information because the oldest individual residing, turns 117 on Aug. 21, 2026.
Courtesy of Ethel Caterham Household
Caterham met with King Charles III final September and shared her recollections with him of watching his investiture because the Prince of Wales in 1969, in response to the BBC.
Caterham was born in the UK on Aug. 21, 1909, when Charles’ great-great grandfather, Edward VII, was king.
Ethel Caterham, who’s acknowledged by Guinness World Information because the oldest individual residing, meets King Charles III, September 18, 2025.
Courtesy of Ethel Caterham Household
She was named by Guinness World Information because the world’s oldest residing individual final yr, after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas died on the age of 116.
Guinness additionally acknowledges Caterham because the world’s oldest residing girl.
“Wishing Ethel Caterham the happiest of birthdays, from Guinness World Information!” the group stated in a press release to ABC Information. “Holding the GWR title for each the oldest individual residing and oldest girl residing, is definitely one thing to have a good time! We hope she has a beautiful day with family members.”
Ethel Caterham, acknowledged by Guinness World Information because the oldest individual residing, turns 117 on Aug. 21, 2026.
Courtesy of Ethel Caterham Household
Caterham beforehand informed The Associated Press that she thinks one of many secrets and techniques to her longevity could also be her non-confrontational method to others.
“By no means arguing with anybody, I hear and I do what I like,” she stated on the time.
Caterham is the seventh of eight siblings, together with one who lived to the age of 104, in response to Guinness World Information.
Ethel Caterham, acknowledged by Guinness World Information because the oldest individual residing, turns 117 on Aug. 21, 2026.
Courtesy of Ethel Caterham Household
Caterham outlived her late husband, Norman Caterham, who died in 1976, in addition to their two kids, daughters Gem and Anne. At this time, she is a grandmother of three great-grandmother of 5.
In her youthful years, Caterham was a nanny and ran a nursery.
She now lives in a care dwelling in Surrey, England.
Ethel Caterham, acknowledged by Guinness World Information because the oldest individual residing, turns 117 on Aug. 21, 2026.
Courtesy of Ethel Caterham Household
Caterham and her household are marking her milestone birthday this yr with a personal celebration, in response to Guinness World Information.
