Celebration of the 116th Birthday of the World's Most Senior Living Person, Britain's Ethel Caterham

Ethel Caterham, recognized as the oldest living individual, celebrated her 116th birthday on a Thursday. This milestone comes shortly after she acquired this title when a Brazilian nun passed away.

Caterham chose to enjoy her special day quietly in the company of loved ones. Her care facility, located in Surrey near London, reported to CBS News that she intended to take the celebration at her own leisurely pace.

Acknowledgments and Royal Connections

According to Hallmark Care Homes, Ethel and her family deeply appreciated the warm wishes and interest shown during her birthday festivities. While she refrained from interviews, she might allow an exchange with King Charles III.

The custom of the British monarch is to greet citizens on their centennial birthdays through letters, and there was no immediate news from Buckingham Palace regarding a personal call from King Charles to Caterham.

On her 115th birthday, she received a congratulatory letter from King Charles, lauding her for reaching such an impressive age.

A Glimpse into Ethel Caterham's Life

Ethel Caterham has the distinction of being the last person still alive who lived under the reign of King Edward VII.

The record for the oldest age lived by any person belongs to Jeanne Calment from France, who lived until the age of 122 years and 164 days as recorded by Guinness World Records.

Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, southwest England, Caterham's life began five years prior to World War I.

Secrets and Family

Caterham attributes her long life to avoiding conflicts. Her mantra: "Never argue, listen, and do what's pleasing."

Her family includes three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, outliving her spouse Norman, and both of her daughters who passed before her.

Remarkably, she drove until almost reaching her centennial year and remained an active bridge player well into her senior years.

She survived a COVID-19 infection at age 110 in 2020, as reported by The Daily Telegraph. Ethel told the BBC that her life was a continuous journey where she embraced all experiences with grace.