It has been established that the UK woman, who celebrated her birthday in Lightwater, Surrey, a few months ago, is the oldest living person in the world.
Ethel Caterham, who is 116 years old, has accomplished something that few people ever do. In August 2025, she revealed the unexpected key to her exceptional longevity during her birthday celebration.
Crowned the World’s Oldest After a Tragedy
After Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas passed away, Caterham, who lives in a care facility in Lightwater, Surrey, became the oldest living person in the world. The Brazilian nun died on April 30, 2025, at the age of 116.
Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest, a database that tracks the world’s oldest people, confirmed Caterham’s record after her death. She grew up in the nearby Wiltshire town of Tidworth after being born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, on August 21, 1909.
The last person known to have survived Edward VII’s rule is Caterham. The Edwardian period, according to American author Samuel Hynes, was a “leisurely time when women wore picture hats and did not vote, when the rich were not ashamed to live conspicuously, and the sun never set on the British flag.”
As the second youngest of eight siblings, she was also born five years prior to the start of World War I, during the time that Herbert Asquith was prime minister.
The Key to Her Longevity
She seemed unimpressed by the fanfare around her milestone when she celebrated her 115th birthday in August 2024, stating that she “didn’t know why there was all the fuss.”
She also reflected on her longevity, noting that the secret was “never arguing with anyone.” Caterham added, “I listen and I do what I like.” She attributed her long life to approaching highs and lows calmly.
She also got a letter from King Charles III congratulating her on achieving the incredible milestone when she turned 115. With the hope that she had a wonderful day, he sent his best wishes. The King expressed his happiness at discovering her intriguing past.
A year later, a spokesperson of her care home said in a statement, “Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year.”
According to the spokeswoman, Caterham decided not to participate in any interviews in favour of spending the day in solitude with her family and taking her time. As a sign of respect, the monarch was the only guest who was exempt. Additionally, the family thanked everyone for their well wishes on her auspicious day.
A Century of Love, War, and Wonder
Caterham’s life has been filled with events. She returned to the UK in 1931 after working as an au pair for a military family in India when she was eighteen. In her native country, she married Norman Caterham in 1933 while he was a choirboy at Salisbury Cathedral.
The pair resided in postings such as Hong Kong and Gibraltar, where she opened a nursery, when her husband rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. After returning to Britain, where her husband passed away in 1976, they were blessed with two daughters.
Caterham has spent the past 50 years living in Surrey and is a grandmother to three and a great-grandmother to five. “I’ve been all over the world and I’ve ended up in this lovely home, where everyone is falling over themselves for me, giving me everything I want,” she gushed.
She lived a long life and saw many historical events, such as the Great Depression, World War I, the Russian Revolution, World War II, and the sinking of the Titanic.
She drove until she was 97 years old and has lived in Surrey for the past 50 years. One sister, Gladys, lived to an astounding age of 104, demonstrating the family’s propensity for longevity.
According to Guinness World Records, Caterham, who was 110 when he caught COVID-19 in 2020, is currently one of the oldest people to survive the virus.
Mark McKinley, director of records at Guinness World Records, said, “Ethel never set out to be a record breaker. But we’re hoping to meet her some time soon and present her with her certificate.”
A spokesperson for her residence, Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home, also noted, “What an incredible milestone and a true testament to a life well-lived. Your strength, spirit and wisdom are an inspiration to us all. Here’s to celebrating your remarkable journey.”
According to Guinness World Records, Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old, now holds the record for the oldest person ever.
