The world’s oldest living person, Ethel Caterham from Britain, just celebrated her 116th birthday on Thursday. She received the title only a few months ago, after the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas.
Ethel spent her special day quietly with her family, taking it slow and enjoying each moment in her own way. Her care home in Surrey, just south of London, shared that she was surrounded by love and good wishes.
Her family said they are so thankful for all the kind messages sent to her as she reaches this amazing milestone. While Ethel isn’t giving interviews, there may be one exception—a possible conversation with King Charles III!
It’s a tradition in Britain for the monarch to send greetings to those celebrating their 100th birthday and beyond. While the palace hasn’t confirmed yet, many are hoping King Charles will share a kind word with Ethel as she marks her remarkable 116 years.
Last year, Ethel celebrated her 115th birthday with a special letter from King Charles, who praised her for reaching such a “truly remarkable milestone.”
Ethel holds a unique place in history—she is the last living subject of King Edward VII.
The record for the oldest person ever still belongs to Jeanne Calment from France, who lived to an incredible 122 years before passing away in 1997.
Ethel herself was born on August 21, 1909, in the small village of Shipton Bellinger in southwest England—five years before World War I began.
After the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro at 116 earlier this year, Ethel became the oldest living person in the world, confirmed by Guinness World Records, the Gerontological Research Group, and the LongeviQuest database.
What’s her secret to such a long life? Ethel has a simple answer: “Never arguing with anyone! I listen, and then I do what I like.”
She is a proud grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of five. She has lived through both great joys and great sorrows, outliving her husband Norman, who passed in 1976, as well as her two daughters.
Remarkably, she only gave up driving just before she turned 100 and enjoyed playing bridge well into her later years.
Even at 110, she showed her strength by surviving COVID-19 in 2020. That same year, she told the BBC she has always tried to take life as it comes—through all the highs and lows.
Love Being a Grandma?
Join 7,900+ grandmas who wake up to a cheerful, uplifting email made just for you. It’s full of heart, sprinkled with fun, and always free. Start your mornings with a smile—sign up below! ❤️