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

Ethel Caterham, a British woman, has achieved a historic milestone by celebrating her 117th birthday, making her the first person from the United Kingdom to be verified at this advanced age.

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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, Caterham is now recognized by Guinness World Records as the 13th oldest person ever and the last living individual born before 1910. Her remarkable longevity continues to set records in the UK, following her becoming the first British person to reach 116 a year prior. Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, described her longevity as "truly historic," noting she is consistently adding to a British longevity record previously held by Charlotte Hughes.

Caterham, who resides in a care home in Surrey, approximately 25 miles outside London, expressed her joy, stating, "I've had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings." Her life has spanned immense historical events, including two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the Russian Revolution, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, she survived contracting the virus in 2020 at the age of 110.

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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.

Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, as the second youngest of eight children, Caterham is the last surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII. Her life journey included a period working as a nanny in India at age 18, followed by her marriage to Major Norman Caterham in 1933. The couple lived in Hong Kong, where she established a nursery, before returning to Surrey. She has outlived her husband, who passed away in 1976, and both her daughters, and now has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

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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!