Who Lives In The Castle Of Mey Now

You know how sometimes you drive past a grand old house and wonder, “Who on earth actually lives there now?” It’s a little like spotting a celebrity at the grocery store. The Castle of Mey in Scotland is exactly that kind of place—except it looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.

The Queen Mother’s Highland Home

For years, the answer was simple: the Queen Mother. She bought the castle in 1952 as a private retreat after King George VI died. It was her happy place, a cozy escape where she could put her feet up and watch the deer.

She’d invite friends for tea, walk the gardens, and even attend the local agricultural shows. The castle wasn’t just a palace; it was home.

When she passed away in 2002, the castle was left to a trust. And that’s when the big question started: “Who gets to live there now?”

Enter Prince Charles—Now King Charles III

Fast forward to today, and the main resident is King Charles III. Yes, that Charles. The one with the corgis and the love of organic farming.

He doesn’t live there full-time—think of it as his weekend getaway, but on a royal scale. He visits several times a year, usually in the summer or autumn.

When he’s there, he does exactly what his grandmother did: he strolls the gardens, chats with the staff, and enjoys the quiet. No crown, just a nice pair of walking boots.

But It’s Not Just the King

Here’s the thing: you and I can actually stay at the Castle of Mey. Well, not in the main house, but in the holiday cottages on the estate.

Imagine waking up to the same view the Queen Mother saw every morning. It’s like renting a cabin by a lake, but with more tartan and history.

The trust that runs the castle rents out three cottages. They’re not fancy five-star hotels—they’re cozy, with fireplaces and kitchens where you can make your own tea.

Castle Of Mey. Caithness, Scotland.15th June 2025 | Private … | Flickr

Who Else Is Around?

The estate also has a small team of caretakers and gardeners. They’re the real stars here. One gardener, named Colin, has been tending the rose bushes for over twenty years.

Think about that: while you’re stressing about your lawn, Colin is trimming the same roses a queen once sniffed. He says the King always asks about the honeybees when he visits.

There’s also a housekeeper named Morag, who makes sure the fireplaces are ready and the silver is polished. She’s been there since the 1990s—she even remembers the Queen Mother’s favorite biscuit brand.

The Peculiar Case of the Ghost Stories

Of course, no castle is complete without a spooky tale. Locals say a ghost called the Green Lady wanders the corridors. Some visitors claim they’ve felt a cold breeze in the library.

Is it real? Who knows. But when you stay in one of those cottages, you can’t help but glance out the window at night. It adds a bit of je ne sais quoi to your morning porridge.

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, “I’m never going to meet the King. Why does this matter?” Fair point. But here’s why it’s fun: the Castle of Mey is open to the public for part of the year.

From May to September, you can walk through the same drawing rooms, sit in the same chairs, and see the Queen Mother’s own television set. Yes, she had a TV just like yours, probably playing Coronation Street.

Guide to King Charles’ royal residences: From medieval castles to

And if you’re lucky, you might spot King Charles out walking his dogs. It’s not likely, but it’s possible—kind of like seeing a celebrity at the airport, but with more sheep.

The Best Part? You Can Actually Stay Over

Here’s the kicker: you can book a stay in one of those cottages for about the price of a decent hotel in the Highlands. You get a private garden, a key to the castle grounds, and bragging rights for life.

Imagine telling your friends, “Oh, I stayed at the King’s castle last weekend. The bathroom had a heated towel rack.” They’ll think you’re joking.

And you get to explore the kitchen garden, where the King grows organic vegetables. You can walk past the same cabbages that might end up on his dinner plate. Totally normal, right?

So, Who Lives There Now?

The short answer: King Charles III, a handful of caretakers, and the occasional ghost. But really, the castle lives in a beautiful in-between space.

It’s still a royal home, but it’s also a visitor attraction and a holiday rental. It’s a place where history meets your weekend plans.

Next time you see a photo of a Scottish castle, don’t just think “oh, royalty.” Think about Morag making tea, Colin trimming roses, and maybe—just maybe—a King microwaving popcorn in his pajamas. That’s the Castle of Mey today.