91-Year-Old Man Becomes Grandfather For the First Time, and Beats a World Record

A 91-year-old is one proud poppy after getting the world record for the oldest grandfather in the world. Charles Smith became a dad at 55, and his son, Ashley, didn’t become a father until last year. Ashley and his wife, Hanna, submitted an application to Guinness World Records, and now it’s official: Charles is the oldest first-time grandfather ever.

Australian Man Becomes Oldest Grandfather on Record

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The Australian native spent much of his work life promoting motorsports such as the Grand Prix. His new baby granddaughter, Isla, will call him “Poppy.”

“There are lots of grandpas and grandads around,” he said. “I feel Poppy suits me.”

She melted his heart from the first time he held her. 

“All I can say is I picked her up and didn’t want to give her back. Except for the nappy changes,” Charles said. 

Charles doesn’t care that he broke a record; he’s just happy to have his son and his family around.

Loved His Granddaughter at First Sight

He said, “Well, I love her, and she looks at me with my Poppy hat on and laughs. I look at my son Ashley, my daughter-in-law Hanna, and my granddaughter Isla and know this is it — family.”

Ashley says his father is very independent, despite his old age.

“He lives a great retirement, traveling around Australia in his camper van and heading out on the boat around Moreton Bay. Age hasn’t slowed him down at all, I think he’s more active than ever. He has a positive attitude and a strong circle of friends, which says so much about him. And knowing him, the amount of tea he drinks probably has something to do with it,” he joked.

Ready for His ‘Poppy’ Duties

Equally, Hanna loves having him as her father-in-law. Neither is worried about not being around for Isla. He’s completely ready for his Poppy duties.

It is wonderful that Isla will have her sprightly grandpa around to love on her as she grows up. Becoming a dad at 55 surely prepared him for becoming a grandfather late in life! Isla is in good hands.

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h/t: Guinness World Records

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.