World’s oldest person makes history as first Brit to turn 117

Ethel Caterham. Photo Credit: GuinessWorldRecord

Korede Oluwadare

The world’s oldest person, British woman Ethel Caterham, has celebrated her 117th birthday, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first person from Britain ever verified to reach that age while continuing to live a quiet life at a care home in Surrey.

According to Guinness World Records, Ethel Caterham, born on 21 August 1909, is the first-ever Brit to reach the age of 117.

Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, said, “Her longevity is becoming truly historic, especially in terms of the UK. After becoming the first British person to reach age 116 a year ago, she is now the first British person to reach 117.

“She is consistently adding to her British longevity record, which was previously set by Charlotte Hughes, who passed away in 1993.

“Ethel is the 13th oldest person ever. Her reign as the world’s oldest person is already the third longest in 11 years. She remains the last living person born before 1910. Simply put, she is incredible!”

Caterham, who lives in a care home in Surrey about 25 miles outside London, told the UK’s PA Media news agency, “I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings.”

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She was visited by King Charles in September last year shortly after her 116th birthday. During the meeting she recalled Charles’ 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, telling him “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.”

Her 117 years have spanned two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the Russian Revolution and the Covid-19 pandemic.

She is one of the oldest people to survive the virus after contracting it in 2020 at the age of 110, according to Guinness World Records.

The report also noted that, born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, as the second youngest of eight children, she is the last surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII. At 18 she travelled alone to India to work as a nanny, later marrying Major Norman Caterham in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral.

The couple lived in Hong Kong for a time where she set up a nursery before returning to Surrey.

She has reportedly outlived her husband, who died in 1976, and both her daughters, and now has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Human longevity continues to draw intense interest from the global scientific community.