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A woman who has just celebrated her 115th birthday has received a letter from the King congratulating her on a “truly remarkable milestone”.
Ethel Caterham opened the message from Charles III at a party at her care home in Lightwater, Surrey.
It is believed Mrs Caterham became the oldest person in Europe following the death of a 117-year-old woman in Spain on Monday.
The King conveyed his “warmest good wishes” and “hoped that Ethel enjoys her incredibly special day”.
The letter stated that “His Majesty was heartened to learn about Ethel’s fascinating personal history”.
Ethel May Caterham (née Collins) was born on 21 August 1909 in Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire.
She is thought to be the last surviving subject of Edward VII and the fourth-oldest living person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Mrs Caterham was the second youngest of eight children.
She said: “We had no television, no radio or anything.
“We had to make our own music. There was no electricity.”
One of her sisters, Gladys, lived to the age of 104.
Mrs Caterham has outlived her two daughters Gem and Anne.
She has three granddaughters and five great grandchildren.
Her birthday was marked by a party and the dedication of a garden in her honour at Lakeview Care Home.
Mrs Caterham said: “We had a wonderful party here. There were so many people.”
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