Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Guinness Names British Woman Ethel Caterham Oldest Living

8/22/2026

24 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ethel Caterham celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026.
Guinness World Records named her the oldest living person in April 2025 after Inah Canabarro Lucas died.
She became the first British individual to reach age 117, according to Guinness.
King Charles III visited her in September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday.
She survived Covid-19 after contracting it at age 110 in 2020, one of the oldest survivors.

History

Historical Context

Jeanne Calment, born 21 February 1875 in Arles, died 4 August 1997 at 122 years 164 days, the longest verified human lifespan. Guinness World Records certified her as the oldest person ever in 1995 after French demographers validated her birth records, prompting scientific interest in longevity among researchers and policymakers in France and the United Kingdom.

1 of 2

Story summary

Ethel Caterham celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026.
Guinness World Records named her the oldest living person in April 2025 after Inah Canabarro Lucas died.
She became the first British individual to reach age 117, according to Guinness.
King Charles III visited her in September 2025, shortly after her 116th birthday.
She survived Covid-19 after contracting it at age 110 in 2020, one of the oldest survivors.

1 / 2