Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ethel Caterham Becomes First Verified British Age 117

8/24/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ethel Caterham celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026.
She became the oldest living person in April 2025 after Inah Canabarro Lucas died at 116.
Caterham is the first British individual verified to reach age 117.
King Charles III visited her in September 2025 and discussed his 1969 investiture.
She survived COVID-19 in 2020 at age 110, becoming one of the oldest known survivors.

History

Historical Context

Jeanne Calment of Arles, France, died on 4 August 1997 at 122 years and 164 days, the longest verified human lifespan. Her record, confirmed by fourteen census entries and recognized by Guinness, has anchored demographic research on super-centenarians for about three decades. That benchmark continues to shape ongoing global scientific interest in extreme longevity.

1 of 2

Story summary

Ethel Caterham celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026.
She became the oldest living person in April 2025 after Inah Canabarro Lucas died at 116.
Caterham is the first British individual verified to reach age 117.
King Charles III visited her in September 2025 and discussed his 1969 investiture.
She survived COVID-19 in 2020 at age 110, becoming one of the oldest known survivors.

1 / 2