115-year-old British woman now thought to be world’s oldest person

115-year-old British woman, Ethel Caterham is now thought to be the oldest person in the world.

Ethel, who lives in Surrey, earned the title after the death of Brazilian woman Inah Canabarro Lucas on Wednesday, who was 116, the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) said.

Ms Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, five years before the start of the first world war, as the second youngest of eight siblings.

She met her husband Norman, who was a major in the British army, at a dinner party in 1931, and they were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar, the GRG said.

They had two daughters whom they raised in the UK. Ms Caterham’s husband died in 1976.

In 2020, aged 110, Ms Caterham contracted Covid-19, the GRG said.

Ethel cuts a cake at the care home where she lives. / Credit: Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home

Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home in Camberley, where Ms Caterham is a resident, posted pictures of her cutting a cake and wearing a “115” tiara in a Facebook post on Thursday.

An accompanying message said: “Huge congratulations to Lakeview resident, Ethel on becoming the oldest person in the world! What an incredible milestone and a true testament to a life well-lived.

“Your strength, spirit, and wisdom are an inspiration to us all. Here’s to celebrating your remarkable journey!”

Born in 1909, it is believed Ethel is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII.

The title of the oldest person ever is held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years 164 days, according to Guinness World Records.