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World's oldest living person just turned one year older. Meet Ethel
USA Today • • world
Key Points:
- Ethel Caterham, living in southeast England, turned 117 on August 21, 2025, becoming the first British person to reach this age and the 13th worldwide to celebrate a 117th birthday.
- Caterham, crowned the world's oldest living person in mid-spring 2025, marked her birthday quietly at her care home in Surrey and reflected on a memorable year including a visit from King Charles III.
- She has broken multiple longevity records in the UK, including becoming the oldest living person in Surrey at 109, the oldest in the UK at 112, and the oldest British person ever at 115.
- Born in 1909, Caterham has lived a rich life including time as a nanny in India, running a nursery in Hong Kong, and raising two daughters; she enjoys simple pleasures like listening to music and spending time outdoors.
- Her 117th birthday celebration featured a Frank Sinatra impersonator performing her favorite song, "Three Coins In A Fountain," with well-wishes from supercentenarians worldwide.
