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Ethel Caterham, a remarkable woman whose life spans more than a century of history, has officially marked her 116th birthday, cementing her place as the world’s oldest living person.
Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel has lived through some of the most defining events in human history and remains a living testament to resilience and longevity.
She became the oldest living person in April this year after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canbarro Lucas, who also reached the age of 116 before passing away.
Ethel’s milestone is even more remarkable when one considers the historical context of her birth. She was born just three years before the Titanic disaster, grew up in a world shaken by the First World War, and reached adulthood by the time the Russian Revolution altered global politics.
Her lifetime has seen the rise and fall of empires, two devastating world wars, the birth of modern technology, and the transformation of society in ways unimaginable at the start of the 20th century.
The daughter of a large family being the second youngest of eight children Ethel was raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire. As a young teenager, she worked as an au pair in India before embarking on a journey that would later take her to different parts of the world.
With her husband Norman, a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, she lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar, enjoying a life enriched by travel and exposure to diverse cultures. These experiences not only shaped her worldview but also gave her stories and memories spanning continents.
At 116, Ethel is also the last surviving subject of King Edward VII, underscoring the vast generational gap between her youth and the present day.
Last year, on her 115th birthday, she received a card from King Charles III, who is Edward VII’s great-great-grandson. This royal recognition highlights the extraordinary span of history Ethel’s life represents, bridging over a century of the British monarchy.
Her care home in Lightwater, Surrey, where she now resides, released a heartfelt statement as she marked the special day.
“Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year. Ethel will spend the day quietly with her family so that she can enjoy it at her own pace. Thank you again for your kind wishes on this special day,” the statement read.
Unlike many public figures who celebrate such milestones with grand festivities, Ethel prefers the warmth and calm of family, proving that at such an advanced age, it is the simple things love, presence, and togetherness that matter most. Her longevity has naturally drawn curiosity, with many wondering what her secret might be.
While no official explanation has been given, her active early years, her adaptability to different cultures, and the family support she continues to enjoy may have all played a role in her long life.
Ethel’s incredible age also puts her in rare company. Though she is currently the world’s oldest living person, she still falls short of the record held by Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days before her death in 1997. Nevertheless, reaching 116 is a feat that very few humans in history have accomplished.
Her story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of how much the world has changed in just over a century.
From handwritten letters to instant digital communication, from horse-drawn carriages to space travel, Ethel has witnessed it all. Her life is not just a celebration of age but a celebration of human endurance and the gift of time.
As she turns 116, messages of love and admiration have poured in from across the world, with many taking to social media to express amazement at her resilience. Ethel Caterham’s story is one of grace, survival, and quiet strength, a legacy that will continue to inspire generations long after this milestone.
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