World’s oldest person Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday

The world’s oldest person, British woman Ethel Caterham, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday.

Caterham, who lives in a care home in Surrey, about 25 miles outside London, is the first British person ever to live to 117, according to Guinness World Records (GWR).

“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings,” Caterham told the UK’s PA Media news agency.

Ethel Caterham, at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home, pictured on September 18 2025.

The world’s oldest person, British woman Ethel Caterham, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday.

Caterham, who lives in a care home in Surrey, about 25 miles outside London, is the first British person ever to live to 117, according to Guinness World Records (GWR).

“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings,” Caterham told the UK’s PA Media news agency.

The world’s oldest man, João Marinho Neto, also wished Caterham a happy birthday from his home country of Brazil, GWR reports.

Caterham 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, when he was 21, telling him: “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.”