In a heartwarming encounter, King Charles III visited 116-year-old Ethel Caterham at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey, celebrating her extraordinary life and achievements. The personal visit came shortly after the King completed his official duties, including bidding farewell to US President Donald Trump.
Ethel Caterham: Witness to over a century of history
Born on 21 August 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel Caterham has lived through 11 decades of world events, including the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, the Russian Revolution, the decline of colonial empires, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic. In April 2025, she became the world’s oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canbarro Lucas.
Beyond her age, Caterham holds a unique historical connection as the last surviving subject of King Edward VII, linking her directly to Britain’s Edwardian era.
A personal and humorous exchange with the King
During the visit, Caterham recalled King Charles’s 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, joking about how “all the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.” The King responded with laughter, quipping, “Yes well, all that’s left of him anyway.” The interaction highlighted Caterham’s sharp memory and enduring sense of humor, which have persisted well past her 116th birthday.
A life of adventure and family
Ethel Caterham was the second youngest of eight siblings. At 18, she moved to India to work as an au pair for a military family, returning to the UK at 21, where she met her future husband, Norman, in 1931. Together, they raised two daughters. Her family today includes three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
Remarkably, she lived an active life well into her later years, driving until the age of 97. For the past five decades, Surrey has been her home, where she remains close to family. In 2024, on turning 115, she received a personal congratulatory letter from King Charles, and this year, her wish to meet the monarch in person was fulfilled.
Honouring supercentenarians
Supercentenarians—those aged 110 or older—are extremely rare, with fewer than 100 verified globally. Caterham’s longevity has made her a subject of interest for researchers studying genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that contribute to extended lifespans. Her active lifestyle, family support, and sharp mental faculties are believed to be key contributors to her remarkable well-being.
Conclusion
King Charles III’s visit underscores the royal family’s tradition of acknowledging the nation’s oldest citizens and celebrates Ethel Caterham’s extraordinary life, resilience, and enduring spirit, bridging over a century of history with warmth and humanity.