News · 21 August 2026

World's oldest person Ethel Caterham turns 117 today

Ethel Caterham, recognised as the world's oldest living person, marks her 117th birthday today with friends and family at her Surrey care home. She became the oldest person in April 2025 and attributes her long life to avoiding arguments and doing what she likes. Mrs Caterham also met King Charles last September and survived Covid-19 at 110.

By BriefTea Editorial · 21 August 2026 at 5:24

Reported by Sky News · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

Who verifies 'oldest person'? Who is King Charles? How do people live so long?

More briefs

GeneralSouthern England declared in severe drought across six areas WorldTrump administration places new sanctions on 26 targets connected to Iran PoliticsChancellor John Healey plans to raise taxes on banks in the October budget BusinessLondon's top shares reach a seven-week high as investors buy safer British businesses GeneralHarry and Meghan visit Nottingham in their first joint public outing since returning BusinessThames Water needs £2.4B more to avoid government takeover Browse all stories →