Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSummer WoolleyFriday 21 August 2026 00:40 BSTKing Charles visits world's oldest person who jokes 'All the girls were in love with you'Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, is celebrating her 117th birthday at her Surrey care home alongside family and friends.She inherited the title in April 2025 following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116.The centenarian attributes her longevity to a simple secret: avoiding arguments, listening to others and doing what she likes.Over the past year, her notable experiences included meeting King Charles and stroking a llama.Born in Hampshire in 1909, Mrs Caterham is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII and previously survived Covid-19 at age 110.In fullWorld’s oldest person on her secret to a long life as she turns 117More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in