Following detailed research, Guinness World Records has today confirmed that British newlyweds George Kirby (b. 13 June 1912) and Doreen Kirby (nee Luckie, b. 6 September 1923) have set a touching world record as the Oldest couple to marry – aggregate age.
The combined lifespan of the pair was a remarkable 194 years 280 days on the day of their wedding which took place at the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK, on 13 June 2015.
The inspiring couple said their vows on George’s 103rd birthday, with Doreen being 91 years 280 days old.
The duo broke a record that had remained unmatched since 1 February 2002, when François Fernandez (France, b. 17 April 1906) and Madeleine Francineau (France, b. 15 July 1907) had an aggregate age of 190 years 126 days at their ceremony which was held at the rest home Le Foyer du Romarin, Clapiers, France.
George and Doreen’s wedding venue is owned by George’s son Neil (aged 63) and his wife Wendy who, along with the pair’s many other children (seven between them) and grandchildren (15), persuaded them to tie the knot after 27 happy years together.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror George, who used to be a physical education instructor for the RAF, said: “It was about time, really. Doreen keeps me young and I can definitely say we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Both had been married once previously, and in 1988 they met through an organisation to find friends for older persons, with the pair moving in together two years later. George proposed on Valentine’s Day earlier this year.
The Oldest married couple ever was Karl Dolven (b.31 August 1897, Norway) who wed Gudrun Haug (b. 14 October 1900, Norway) at Hole, Norway, on 4 June 1927. They remained married until Gudrun's death on 24 April 2004. At this time Gudrun was aged 103 years 193 days and Karl was 106 years 237 days – a combined age of an incredible 210 years 65 days .
