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

Ethel Caterham, recognized as the world’s oldest person, celebrated her 116th birthday with a special visit from King Charles III over the weekend. The meeting took place on Saturday in Surrey, UK, marking a remarkable milestone for Caterham, who was born on August 21, 1909. The Daily Mail reported that the King had previously sent her a congratulatory letter for her birthday last year.

Dressed in a pink shawl and ornate green slippers, Caterham appeared vibrant and cheerful during her encounter with the monarch. As they chatted, she reminisced about watching the King’s investiture as the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in the 1960s, remarking, “All the girls were in love with you.” King Charles, known for his self-deprecating humour, responded with a laugh, saying, “Yes, well, all that’s left of him anyway.”

Their conversation also touched on memories of a garden party at Buckingham Palace that Caterham attended decades ago. When asked about the secret to her longevity, Caterham shared, “I never argue with anyone, I listen and I do what I like.”

Caterham inherited the title of the world’s oldest person following the passing of the previous record-holder, Sister Inah Canabarro from Brazil, on April 30, 2023. Over her life, Caterham has endured significant personal losses, having outlived her husband, Norman, and both of her daughters, Gem and Anne.

A Journey Through History

Throughout her lengthy life, Caterham has witnessed numerous historical events, from the sinking of the Titanic to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Her journey has taken her from India to Hong Kong and Gibraltar before settling in Surrey, where she has resided for the past 50 years. Now living in a local care home, she expressed contentment with her surroundings, stating, “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.”

Caterham celebrated her latest birthday with three granddaughters and five great-granddaughters by her side. Earlier this year, she received a heartfelt birthday message from the world’s oldest man, João Marinho Neto from Brazil, who is 112 years old. He shared a photograph of himself with a sign that read “Ethel Feliz Aniversário,” meaning “Happy Birthday Ethel” in Portuguese. This interaction marks a historic moment as the only known exchange between the oldest man and oldest woman in recorded history.

Caterham’s life story is not just a testament to her personal resilience; it also reflects the changing world around her. As she continues to inspire many with her wisdom and longevity, her meeting with King Charles III serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of history she embodies.