THE world's oldest living person, who grew up in Tidworth and married at Salisbury Cathedral, has celebrated her 116th birthday.
Ethel Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, as the second youngest of eight siblings.
She is the last surviving subject of Edward VII, who died in May 1910.
Mrs Caterham met her husband, Norman, who was a major in the British Army, at a dinner party in 1931. They married at Salisbury Cathedral two years later.
They were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar and had two children. Her husband died in 1976, the GRG (Gerontology Research Group) said.
Mrs Caterham became the oldest living person in April after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canbarro Lucas.
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She celebrated with her family at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey.
A spokesperson for her care home said: “Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year.
“Ethel has again chosen not to give any interviews, preferring to spend the day quietly with her family so that she can enjoy it at her own pace.
“The King may be her one concession, understandably. Thank you again for your kind wishes on this special day.”
Last year, Mrs Caterham was sent a birthday card by Charles to mark her 115th birthday.
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.
Posting on Facebook, Salisbury Cathedral said: “A very happy birthday to Ethel, the world's oldest living person.
“Ethel lived in Tidworth and was married here at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933. We hope you will join us in wishing her a very happy 116th birthday.”
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