The last Scottish monarch to use Edinburgh Castle as a royal residence was King Charles I, who stayed there in 1633 on the night before his Scottish coronation. Historically, while the castle was the heart of royal power, it was often described as "bleak" and "exposed to the elements," leading kings and queens to prefer the more comfortable and garden-surrounded Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other end of the Royal Mile. After the 17th century, the castle transitioned fully into a military barracks and fortress. However, the castle still has a "resident" in a ceremonial sense: the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, currently a high-ranking military officer, who maintains an official residence within the walls. Additionally, the regimental guard and staff associated with the Scottish National War Memorial and the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) are present daily. While it hasn't served as a home for a sovereign in nearly 400 years, its role as a military headquarters and the home of the "One O'Clock Gun" ensures it remains a lived-in, active site of national significance.