On Thursday, 18 September, the world’s oldest person, Ethel Caterham, 116, had the honour of receiving a special visit from King Charles III, marking a significant moment as he personally travelled to meet the oldest-ever British person.
Mrs. Caterham chose to celebrate her 116th birthday in August quietly with a family party, declining all media interviews. However, it was revealed at the time that her one concession would be for the King. The monarch duly obliged and, just a few weeks later, travelled the short distance from Windsor Castle to Mrs. Caterham’s care home in Lightwater, Surrey, marking a memorable occasion for both.
Upon his arrival, King Charles held Mrs. Caterham’s hand as he introduced himself. He then sat in an armchair next to her. Mrs. Caterham, wanting to look her very best for her royal visitor, wore gold, fur-lined sequined slippers, a patterned sage dress, and a pale pink shawl.
(Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PA wire)
The King listened intently to Mrs. Caterham, the last surviving subject of Edward VII, as she told him: “I remember when your mother crowned you at Caernarfon Castle.” The King expressed delight at her recollection of the 1969 event, saying to others in the room: “You see—fascinating.”
Mrs. Caterham, showcasing her sharp wit, humorously noted: “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.” The remark prompted a hearty laugh from the King and a raised eyebrow.
Mrs. Caterham’s granddaughter, Kate, added: “You were saying that the other day, weren’t you? You said, ‘Prince Charles was so handsome; all the girls were in love with him. A true prince, and now the King.’” In a light-hearted exchange, the King, responding with a playful grimace, quipped: “Yes, well—what’s left of him, anyway!”
(Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PA wire)
During their engaging conversation, the pair also spoke about Mrs. Caterham’s fond memories of a Buckingham Palace garden party she attended with her late husband, Norman, in the 1960s.
Displayed on a table between them was Mrs. Caterham’s 116th birthday card from Charles and Camilla. Also on display were a card from the late Queen Elizabeth II and a framed, signed letter from the King congratulating Mrs. Caterham on her 116th birthday and on becoming the world’s oldest living person. The cards were just a few of the 12 she has received from both the King and the late Queen since turning 100.
In 2023, Mrs Caterham featured on the monarch’s official Instagram when she was filmed receiving a card from the King to mark her 114th birthday. Born in August 1909, she has witnessed the reigns of six monarchs throughout her lifetime: Edward VII, George V, the brief reign of Edward VIII (who abdicated in 1936), George VI, the 70-year reign of Elizabeth II, and now King Charles III.
Mrs Caterham’s three granddaughters—Kate, Julia, and Lucy—joined her for the momentous occasion, which was no doubt a memorable experience for both her and the King.
(Photo credit: Jonathan Brady/PA wire)
