Ethel Caterham, the oldest person on Earth, celebrates her 117th birthday
The article reports on Ethel Caterham, the oldest living person in the world, celebrating her 117th birthday. Born in 1909, she is the last surviving person who met King Edward VII personally and has lived through two World Wars. She was born three years before the Titanic disaster and eight years before the Russian Revolution. Ethel, who still drives at age 97, has been recognized by the British royal family, including Prince Charles, who visited her in a care home in 2026. Her husband Norman died in 1976, and one of her sisters, Gladys, also lived over 100 years. The article notes that Jeanne Louise Calment of France holds the record for the oldest verified human lifespan, passing away in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.
The world’s oldest living person, British centenarian Ethel Caterham, celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026, according to reports from multiple media outlets. Born on August 21, 1909, Caterham has lived through two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the Russian Revolution, and even the global pandemic. She currently holds the title of the world's oldest person after Brazil’s Inah Canbarro Lucas died at age 116 in April 2025. Caterham was born three years before the Titanic disaster and eight years before the Russian Revolution. Her birthplace was Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire, England, where she was the second youngest among eight children. She grew up in Wiltshire and, at the age of 17, traveled to India in 1927 as a young woman, working as a nurse in a military family. She later returned to Britain, where she met her future husband, Norman, a British army officer, at a social gathering in 1931. The couple briefly lived in Hong Kong, where Caterham established a nursery. They had two daughters, both of whom predeceased her. Norman passed away in 1976, and one of Caterham’s sisters, Gladys, lived to be over 104 years old. Despite her advanced age, Caterham remained active well into her nineties. At 97, she still drove a car, demonstrating remarkable vitality. In September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday, she met King Charles III during his visit to the Hallmark Lakeview care home in Lightwater near London. During their meeting, she recalled his early days as a prince, when he was just 21 years old, and shared how all the young women were infatuated with him. The current official record for the longest-living human being in history belongs to Frenchwoman Jeanne Louise Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. While Calment’s record remains unbroken, Caterham continues to hold the title of the world’s oldest living individual. Her life story is a testament to resilience and longevity, marked by personal milestones and historical events. In recent months, Caterham has continued to draw public attention. Her 115th birthday in 2025 was commemorated with a gift from Prince Charles, who presented her with a commemorative item. Her 116th birthday in late 2025 was followed by a visit from the king, which highlighted her enduring presence in public consciousness. Her family and close friends have been instrumental in supporting her throughout her long life, ensuring that she remains connected to her community and heritage. As of August 2026, Caterham continues to live independently in a care home in Surrey, surrounded by loved ones. Her daily routine includes interactions with fellow residents and staff, maintaining a sense of normalcy despite her extraordinary age. Medical professionals and researchers continue to monitor her health, though no specific medical conditions have been publicly disclosed. Her case remains a subject of interest for demographers and biologists studying human aging.
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