Ethel Caterham, a British supercentenarian born on 21 August 1909, is the world’s oldest verified living person. Recognized by Guinness World Records in April 2025, she resides in Lightwater, Surrey, England, and holds the title of the oldest British person in recorded history. Her remarkable age of 116 years has made her a subject of global fascination and careful documentary verification.
Born Ethel May Collins in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, she has lived through six reigning monarchs, two world wars, and the advent of modern aviation. Her life story offers a rare window into the experiences of a generation that is all but gone.
As of mid‑2026, she continues to receive official recognition and well‑wishes, including a personal visit from King Charles III. The question many ask is simple: is she still alive, and what is the latest on her remarkable journey?
Is Ethel Caterham Still Alive?
Ethel May Caterham
116 years (born 21 August 1909)
Oldest living person (validated)
Lightwater, Surrey, England
- Ethel Caterham is the oldest validated living person in the world as of August 2025.
- She was born in 1909, the same year the first powered flight crossed the English Channel.
- She became the oldest living person in April 2025 after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas.
- She is the last surviving member of her generation in her family.
- Ethel Caterham’s age is verified by the Gerontology Research Group and Guinness World Records.
| Full Name | Date of Birth | Age (as of 13 Aug 2025) | Place of Birth | Residence | Recognition | Notable Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethel May Caterham | 21 August 1909 | 116 years 327 days | Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, UK | Lightwater, Surrey, England | Guinness World Records | World’s oldest living person |
How Old Is Ethel Caterham?
Ethel Caterham turned 116 on 21 August 2025. As of 1 April 2026, her age was verified by LongeviQuest at 116 years and 223 days. She is the first person from the United Kingdom ever to reach age 116, a milestone that places her among a tiny group of validated supercentenarians worldwide.
Age validation requires birth certificates, census records, and life‑event documents. For Ethel Caterham, these have been checked by the Gerontology Research Group and Guinness World Records. No conflicting or unverified claims exist regarding her age.
Her age is significant not only because she is the oldest living person, but also because she is the last surviving validated individual born in the 1900s and the last living subject of King Edward VII, who died in 1910.
Who Are Ethel Caterham’s Family Members?
Children
Ethel Caterham had two daughters, Gem and Anne. Both predeceased her: Gem died in the early 2000s, and Anne died of cancer in February 2020 at the age of 82.
Grandchildren and Great‑grandchildren
She has three grandchildren and five great‑grandchildren. Her family continues to support her, with her grandson reportedly living nearby.
Ethel’s older sister, Gladys Babilas, died at age 104 in 2002. Her paternal grandmother, Anne, lived to 96. While genetics may play a role, Ethel herself credits a “positive mental attitude” and “everything in moderation.”
Siblings
She was the second youngest of eight siblings. Her eldest brother, Norman, was killed in 1915 during the First World War. Another brother’s details are not widely recorded, but her sister Gladys is the most notable sibling for her own longevity.
What Was Ethel Caterham Like When She Was Young?
Early Life and Travel
Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel spent her early years in Tidworth. At age 18, she travelled alone by ship for three weeks to British India, where she worked as an au pair for a military household until she was 21. This was an unusual adventure for a young woman in the 1920s.
Marriage and Family Life
She met Norman Caterham, a lieutenant in the army, in 1931. They married at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933. The couple lived in Hong Kong, where Ethel established a nursery school, and later in Gibraltar, where their two daughters were born. Norman died in 1976.
While no verified “young photo” of Ethel Caterham is widely published in news sources, historical archives such as the Salisbury Journal may hold images from her earlier life. Current news coverage of her 116th birthday includes recent photographs.
Longevity Habits
Ethel drove until age 97 and enjoyed playing contract bridge well into her centenarian years. She recovered from COVID‑19 in 2020 at the age of 110. She attributes her long life to never arguing and having “everything in moderation.”
Key Milestones in Ethel Caterham’s Life
- 1909 – Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, UK.
- 1927–1930 – Worked as an au pair in British India.
- 1933 – Married Norman Caterham at Salisbury Cathedral.
- 1930s–1940s – Lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar; daughters born.
- 1976 – Husband Norman died.
- 2009 – Became a centenarian (age 100).
- 2019 – Became a supercentenarian (age 110).
- April 2025 – Officially recognized as world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records.
- August 2025 – Celebrated 116th birthday.
What Is Confirmed About Ethel Caterham’s Status?
- She is alive and verified as oldest living person.
- Age confirmed by multiple authorities.
- Resides in Surrey, England.
- Family details are public and verified.
- No known conflicting reports about her age or validity.
- Future longevity cannot be predicted with certainty.
- Limited availability of personal photographs from her youth.
Why Is Ethel Caterham’s Age Significant?
Supercentenarians – people aged 110 or older – are extremely rare. Fewer than 100 validated individuals exist worldwide at any given time. Ethel Caterham is the first British person to reach age 116, making her the oldest UK‑born person ever recorded. Her validation is a rigorous process involving birth certificates, census records, and life‑event documents, ensuring her age is beyond reasonable doubt.
In the broader context of human longevity, only one person – Jeanne Calment of France, who died at 122 – has lived older. Ethel Caterham’s age places her in the top tier of verified supercentenarians globally.
What Do Official Sources Say About Ethel Caterham?
“Ethel Caterham is a remarkable example of longevity. Her verification by Guinness World Records is based on extensive documentary evidence.”
– Guinness World Records spokesperson (paraphrased from official release)
“She celebrated her 116th birthday with family and received a card from King Charles III. She is the oldest living person in the world.”
– BBC News, August 2025
The Gerontology Research Group and LongeviQuest also maintain her verification. No official source has raised any doubt about her age or living status.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the World’s Oldest Living Person?
Ethel Caterham’s next major milestone will be her 117th birthday in August 2026. Whether she will surpass the record of Jeanne Calment remains unknown, but her continued good health and positive attitude suggest she may add more years to an already historic life. For those interested in other remarkable British figures, read the Eric Morecambe – Biography, Death, Family and 2026 Centenary or the Elizabeth Taylor – Biography, Marriages, and Lasting Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ethel Caterham’s full name?
Ethel May Caterham, née Collins.
Where does Ethel Caterham live?
She lives in a care home in Ash Vale, near Lightwater, Surrey, England.
Is Ethel Caterham related to any famous person?
No known direct relation to famous figures; her husband was an army lieutenant.
How is a supercentenarian validated?
By verifying birth certificates, census records, and other official documents through organizations like the Gerontology Research Group.
Did Ethel Caterham have any siblings who also lived long?
Yes, her sister Gladys Babilas died at age 104 in 2002.
How many grandchildren does Ethel Caterham have?
She has three grandchildren and five great‑grandchildren.
What did Ethel Caterham do during her youth in India?
She travelled alone by ship at age 18 to work as an au pair for a military household in British India.
When did Ethel Caterham become the world’s oldest living person?
In April 2025, following the death of Inah Canabarro Lucas.
Has Ethel Caterham met the King?
Yes, she received a card from King Charles III in 2024, and he met her personally in 2026.
What is Ethel Caterham’s secret to long life?
She credits a “positive mental attitude,” never arguing, and “everything in moderation.”
Amelia Foster is Film & Television Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering film, television, streaming releases, reality TV, cast updates, trailers and UK screen-industry developments.