In a touching encounter this week, King Charles III met with 116-year-old Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person. As they sat together at her care home, Ethel delighted the British sovereign by sharing a cherished memory -- she vividly recalled his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969, joking that “all the girls were in love with [him] and wanted to marry [him]”
Charles III, now 76, responded with a hearty laugh and an unmistakably humble quip: “Yes, well, all that’s left of him anyway”. For a moment, the centenarian and the monarch were simply two people sharing a warm laugh over an old memory.
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Fulfilling a birthday wish
This heartwarming meeting came about because Ethel -- who turned 116 in August -- had one birthday wish: to meet the King. She had intended to keep her celebration low-key with family, mentioning that she’d make an exception if King Charles were to visit. Word reached His Majesty, and he graciously obliged by traveling to see her shortly after her birthday.
Despite a busy schedule that day, Charles made time for this personal visit -- a touching gesture of respect for the super centenarian. On a side table sat a birthday card from Charles and Camilla alongside a framed letter from the King for her 116th birthday -- just two of the 17 royal birthday messages Ethel has received since turning 100.
In fact, these birthday cards are a cherished royal tradition that bring genuine joy to Britain’s “super seniors” who reach the remarkable milestone of 100 years and beyond. For many, the arrival of that card — signed by the monarch — is more than a token; it’s a reminder that they are remembered and honored. In an age when the elderly can sometimes feel overlooked, it is deeply moving to know that the King himself has thought of them on their special day. Like so many traditions, this simple gesture offers comfort and reassurance that not everything in life has to change at lightning speed.
A life rich in years, wisdom, and tradition
Ethel Caterham’s 116 years illustrate the beauty of aging with grace. Born in 1909, she has lived through world wars and eras of great change. In her youth she traveled to India and later lived with her husband in Gibraltar and Hong Kong, raising a family along the way. She remained active into very old age -- driving at 97, playing bridge past 100, and even surviving a bout of COVID-19 at 110, as shared by Sky News.
Through it all, her spirit stayed bright. The twinkle in her eye as she playfully teased the King showed that even after more than a century of life, her sense of humor is undimmed.
The affectionate exchange between King Charles and Mrs. Caterham offers a hopeful perspective on growing older. In a world that often prizes youth, their meeting was a reminder that old age can be filled with joy, meaning, and even new laughter.
Despite the age difference between them, they connected like old friends, proving that memories are a universal language. The King’s humility and delight in Ethel’s stories -- and her pride in sharing them -- affirm that every stage of life has its own beauty. This encounter shows that some of the most inspiring moments come when generations share a simple laugh and a cherished memory.
