Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday as world's oldest person

Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday, August 21, 2026, marking a milestone that makes her the first British individual to reach this age. Caterham, who resides at the Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey, spent the day surrounded by family and friends. In a statement, she expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes and reflected on a year filled with new experiences. "Even at 117, I've had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King," she said. "I've had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings."

Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham is the last surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII. Her life has spanned two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the Russian Revolution, and the Covid-19 pandemic, which she survived in 2020 at the age of 110. She became the world's oldest living person in April 2025 following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at age 116. According to Guinness World Records, she is the first British person to live to 117.