Back in August 2025, when Ethel turned 116, she refused to give any interviews “unless King Charles turns up.” The year before, on her 115th birthday in 2024, she had remarked, “I don’t know why there’s all the fuss?” as people celebrated her birthday. On that day, she also received a letter from the King congratulating her on reaching the milestone age of 115.
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Well, its safe to say, her dream has finally come true.
Last week, after hosting Trump at Windsor castle, the King made a special visit to the world's oldest living person, Ethel. Overcome with emotion, she couldn’t contain herself and reminisced with Charles about her younger days.
In a circulating video on the internet, Ethel says to King Charles, "all the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you," to which His Majesty replied, "Yes well, all that's left of him anyway."
Ethel continued to reflect on some of the milestones she had witnessed over the years, such as when Queen Elizabeth crowned him as Prince at Caernarfon Castle. The King was both delighted and amused by her recollections, especially her comment about him being the subject of affection among girls in the past.
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Ethel Caterham was given the title of the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records on April 30, 2025. While her sister died at the age of 104 in 2002, Ethel has outlived her by celebrating her 116th birthday on August 22, 2025. Ethel now lives in a care home in Lightwater, Surrey.
She has also managed to outlive both her daughters and now has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren as her company.
Her secret to a long life? “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation,” she said.
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