Ethel Caterham birthday marks another milestone for the world’s oldest living person.
Ethel Caterham, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, turned 117 on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Caterham, who lives in a care home in Surrey, England, marked the day privately with family and friends, according to Good Morning America.
A Birthday Message At 117
Caterham shared a birthday message with ABC News, thanking people for their kind wishes.
She said the past year had brought new experiences, including stroking a llama and holding hands with King Charles III.
She also said she had enjoyed celebrating with loved ones and was looking forward to what the next year may bring.
Recognized By Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records lists Caterham as the oldest person living. Guinness also recognizes her as the oldest woman living.
The organization said Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in the United Kingdom.
She became the world’s oldest living person in 2025 after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who died at 116.
A Life Across Six Reigns
Caterham was born during the reign of King Edward VII, before World War I and long before modern air travel became common.
She met King Charles III in September 2025 and spoke with him about watching his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, according to reports cited by ABC News.
Her life has now spanned six British monarchs, from Edward VII to Charles III.
Family, Work And Longevity
Caterham was one of eight siblings. Guinness has noted that one of her sisters, Gladys Babilas, also lived a long life and died at 104.
In her younger years, Caterham worked as a nanny and later ran a nursery.
She married Norman Caterham in 1933. He died in 1976, and she later outlived their two daughters, Gem and Anne.
Today, Caterham is a grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of five.
Her View On Long Life
Caterham has kept her advice simple.
She previously told The Associated Press that she avoids arguing and prefers to listen before doing what she likes.
LongeviQuest, which tracks verified supercentenarians, says Caterham is the last validated living person born before 1910.
Her 117th birthday places her among a very small group of verified people worldwide to reach that age.