When you reach a milestone like 116 years, your birthday becomes an event worthy of a royal visit. That was the case this week for Ethel Caterham (UK), the world’s oldest woman and overall oldest person, who received a special birthday greeting from King Charles III.
The King made a personal trip to her care home to wish her a happy 116th birthday, making the international news story a truly memorable occasion for the supercentenarian.
The special moment was captured and shared on the Royal Family’s X (formerly Twitter) account. The photograph shows King Charles III leaning down graciously to shake Ethel’s hand. In the background, the official birthday card sent by the King is proudly displayed, marking the extraordinary respect paid to one of the UK’s—and the world’s—most cherished individuals.
Ethel Caterham’s incredible longevity and the King’s personal visit underscore her significance, turning a private celebration into a globally recognized event.