A Royal Blush: King Charles Charmed by World's Oldest Person's Candid Remembrances
A touching encounter at 116 sees the monarch recall his youth, highlighting a centuries-old tradition.
King Charles III, aged 76, recently shared a memorable and heartwarming encounter with the world's oldest living person, 116-year-old Ethel Caterham, whose forthright recollections prompted a rare public blush from the sovereign. The extraordinary meeting took place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey.
Ethel Caterham, born in 1909, achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the world's oldest living person in April 2025, following the passing of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was also 116. Just weeks prior to the King's visit, Caterham had celebrated her own birthday in August, wistfully expressing a wish that she would have traded her quiet family celebrations for an audience with the monarch — a wish that, to her delight, quickly came true.
During their engaging conversation, Caterham vividly recalled a pivotal moment in the King's early life, remarking, “I remember when your mother crowned you in Caernarfon Castle.” This harked back to the historic 1969 investiture when, at the age of 21, then-Prince Charles was formally presented to the Welsh people by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as the Prince of Wales at the magnificent medieval fortress in North Wales. The recollection visibly pleased the King, who listened intently to her remarkable memory.
However, it was Caterham's follow-up comment that truly brought a smile, and a blush, to the King's face: “And all the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.” This candid observation resonated with her granddaughter, Kate Henderson, who affirmed, “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.” The sovereign, with characteristic humility, simply responded, “Yes, well, all that's left of him anyway,” drawing laughter from those present.
Adding to the sentiment of the occasion, prominently displayed next to Mrs. Caterham were cherished birthday cards from both King Charles and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This tradition, dating back to 1917 when King George V began sending telegrams to centenarians, allows UK residents to receive special messages from the monarch on milestone birthdays (100th and 105th, then annually thereafter) and diamond wedding anniversaries. During Queen Elizabeth's unprecedented 70-year reign, Buckingham Palace estimates approximately 1.3 million such cards were dispatched across the UK, its Realms, and overseas territories. King Charles III proudly continues this cherished custom, having sent his first round of birthday cards shortly after his accession in September 2022, featuring a portrait of himself and Queen Camilla alongside a personal note and their signatures.
The extraordinary meeting underscored the enduring connection between the British monarchy and its oldest citizens, bridging generations and creating a moment of shared history and affectionate remembrance.
