King Charles Celebrates 116th Birthday of World’s Oldest Person

Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest person, celebrated her remarkable 116th birthday on August 21, 2025, with a special visit from King Charles III. The meeting took place on Saturday, where the monarch extended his congratulations in person, following a letter he sent for her milestone birthday the previous year.

Caterham, who resides in a care home in Surrey, appeared vibrant and cheerful during the royal visit. Clad in a pair of ornate green slippers and a pink shawl, she engaged in light-hearted conversation with the King. Caterham reminisced about watching his investiture as the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in the 1960s, saying, “All the girls were in love with you.” In a display of his characteristic self-deprecating humor, King Charles responded, “Yes, well, all that’s left of him anyway,” eliciting laughter from those present.

Reflections on a Long Life

The moment was not just a celebration of a birthday but also a reflection on a life filled with significant historical events. Caterham, born on August 21, 1909, has witnessed everything from the sinking of the Titanic to the Covid-19 pandemic. With a history that includes living in India, Hong Kong, and Gibraltar, she has spent the last 50 years in Surrey.

Caterham shared her secret to longevity: “never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like.” This philosophy seems to have served her well, as she has outlived her husband, Norman, and both of her daughters, Gem and Anne.

Earlier in the year, she received warm wishes from Brazil’s João Marinho Neto, the world’s oldest man at 112. Marinho Neto posed with a sign that read “Ethel Feliz Aniversário,” marking what is believed to be the only documented interaction between the oldest man and woman in history.

Celebrating Milestones with Family

Caterham celebrated her birthday surrounded by family, including her three granddaughters and five great-granddaughters. The gathering highlighted the importance of family and community in her life. Reflecting on her experiences, she told BBC Radio Surrey last year that she has navigated life’s “highs and lows” with grace.

“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 remarked, expressing gratitude for her current living situation.

As the world continues to change, Ethel Caterham stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of human connection, reminding us all of the value of community and cherished memories.