King Charles was charmed by Ethel Caterham, who at 116 is the world’s oldest person, when he visited her Surrey care home on Thursday.
The monarch’s visit to the Lakeview retirement community came immediately following his official send-off to US President Donald Trump at Windsor.
The centenarian gained her status as the world’s eldest individual in April following the passing of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who was also 116.
During their encounter, Charles took Mrs Caterham’s hand while making his introduction, before settling into an adjacent armchair for their conversation.
King Charles was charmed by the world’s oldest person, 116-year-old Ethel Caterham
|
PA
Mrs Caterham, dressed in a sage-patterned frock with a light pink wrap and glittering gold slippers with fur trim, shared vivid recollections with the monarch.
“I remember when your mother crowned you in Caernarfon Castle,” she told him, referring to his ceremony as Prince of Wales in 1969 when he was 21 years old.
King Charles showed genuine pleasure at her memory, responding “oh yes” and remarking to those present: “You see, fascinating.”
The 116-year-old then added: “And all the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.”
Mrs Caterham became the oldest living person in April
|
PA
He admission drew a hearty laughter and raised eyebrows from the monarch.
Kate Henderson, one of Mrs Caterham’s granddaughters, joined the conversation, noting: “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,” she added.
The monarch offered a self-deprecating response with a theatrical wince, joking: “Yes well, all that’s left of him anyway.”
Mrs Caterham said she remembered the King’s investiture 1969, when he was just 21-years-old
|
GETTY
Their discussion also touched on Mrs Caterham’s cherished recollections of attending a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace during the 1960s.
Thursday’s meeting space featured several royal birthday greetings displayed on a table, including correspondence from Charles and Camilla, a card from the late Queen Elizabeth II, and a personally signed message from the King.
These royal communications represented merely a portion of the 17 cards the centenarian has accumulated from the current King and his late mother since reaching her hundredth year.
Mrs Caterham had also featured on the Royal Family’s official Instagram account in 2023 when she was recorded opening birthday greetings from Charles for her 114th celebration.
The King’s meeting with Mrs Caterham came just after Donald Trump’s State Visit
|
GETTY
Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire on 21 August 1909, Mrs Caterham entered the world five years prior to the Great War’s outbreak as the second youngest among eight siblings.
She remains the last living person born during Edward VII’s reign, which ended in May 1910.
The King’s charming meeting with the centenarian immediately followed the departure of US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and the American delegation from the UK.
While at Windsor Castle for an unprecedented second State Visit, Mr Trump was treated by military pomp and a lavish State Banquet by King Charles.