Guinness World Records has confirmed that Edith Ritchie and Evelyn “Evie” Middleton, born November 15, 1909, are the world’s oldest living twins. The pair, who live together in a retirement home in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, celebrated their 102nd birthday in November 2011.
The twins, whose maiden name was Rennie, were born on a farm near Newburgh, Scotland more than a century ago when Edward VII was on the throne. Although not identical, their mother always dressed them exactly the same. After leaving school, they worked on farms before leaving to start their own families. Evelyn married William Middleton and has four children,12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Edith, married Nathaniel Ritchie and has four children, nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and three-great-great grandchildren.
The sisters have remained close throughout their life and now live together at Bonnyton House care home in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
“Edith and Evelyn are a remarkable pair – when they were born, the likes of Mark Twain and Florence Nightingale were still alive, and we had yet to conquer the South Pole,” said Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday. “They’ve clearly benefitted from good genes, and a solid life-long friendship that only twins can truly understand.”
