British Woman Ethel Caterham Becomes First Brit to Turn 117

A remarkable woman in Surrey, England just achieved something no other Brit has ever done: celebrating her 117th birthday.

Ethel Caterham, born on August 21, 1909, became the world's oldest person in 2025 after experts confirmed her age. Today marks an extraordinary milestone as she becomes the first British person to reach 117, surpassing a longevity record set by Charlotte Hughes in 1993.

"She is the 13th oldest person ever," explains Ben Meyers, CEO of longevity research organization LongeviQuest. "Simply put, she is incredible!"

Ethel's historic birthday even caught the attention of King Charles III, who visited his nation's oldest resident to celebrate her amazing life. She remains the last living person born before 1910.

Her journey began as the second youngest of eight children in a large British family. Her sister Gladys also lived an impressively long life, reaching 104 years old.

At just 18, Ethel boarded a ship alone in 1927, seeking adventure on a three-week voyage to India where she worked as a nanny for a British family. She met her future husband, Major Norman Caterham of the British Army, in 1931.

The couple married at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933 and later moved to Hong Kong when Norman was posted there. Ethel started a nursery for both local and British children, showing her lifelong love of caring for others.

After returning to Surrey, Ethel and Norman had two daughters, Gem and Anne. Though she lost Norman in 1976 and has outlived both daughters, she's surrounded by love today with three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren celebrating alongside her.

Sunny's Take

Ethel lives happily at a care home where staff honored her by naming the garden she treasures "Ethel's Garden." She even received birthday wishes from the world's oldest man, 113-year-old João Marinho Neto in Brazil, who turns 114 in October.

From boarding that ship alone at 18 to becoming the world's most senior person, Ethel's life shows us that adventure, love, and connection keep the human spirit young no matter how many candles are on the cake.