A Surrey care home resident has reached the extraordinary milestone of 116 years old, maintaining her position as the world's oldest verified living person.
Ethel Caterham marked her birthday on August 21 at her residence in Lightwater, where she has held the global longevity title since April.
The centenarian assumed the distinction following the passing of Sister Inah Canbarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who died at 116.
Her family and care home staff arranged a quiet celebration, allowing her to enjoy the occasion at a comfortable pace while acknowledging the widespread interest in her remarkable achievement.
Ethel has held the global longevity title since April
|BBC
Mrs Caterham entered the world in 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, as the second youngest amongst eight siblings.
Her childhood unfolded in Tidworth, Wiltshire, during the reign of Edward VII, making her his last living subject.
Her early years preceded major historical events by several years - the Titanic tragedy occurred when she was three, whilst the Russian Revolution happened when she was eight. She also experienced both global conflicts of the 20th century.
The supercentenarian attributes her exceptional lifespan to maintaining a harmonious approach to existence.
"I've taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows," she explained to BBC Radio Surrey in 2020.
Her personal philosophy centres on avoiding conflict entirely. "Never arguing with anyone," she stated as her guiding principle. She further elaborated: "I listen and I do what I like."
During her youth, Mrs Caterham worked as an au pair in India. Following her marriage to Norman, an army lieutenant colonel, she resided in various international locations, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar.
The supercentenarian has called Surrey home for five decades, surrounded by three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
Her care facility released a statement expressing gratitude for the numerous well-wishes received on her special day.
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Ethel is one of the few supercentenarians around the globe
|YOUTUBE / BBC
Ethel received Royal recognition last year when King Charles III, Edward VII's great-great-grandson, sent Mrs Caterham a congratulatory card for her 115th birthday.
The monarch's gesture acknowledged her unique status as the final person alive from his ancestor's reign.
"I've been all over the world and I've ended up in this lovely home, where everyone is falling over themselves for me, giving me everything I want," Mrs Caterham reflected.
For perspective, the longest verified human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who reached 122 years and 164 days before her death in 1997.
Mrs Caterham's achievement places her amongst an extremely rare group of supercentenarians worldwide.