At the beginning of the Falklands War on 3 April 1982, Argentine forces occupied South Georgia and closed the station.

A series of civilian Marine Officers was appointed to carry out customs and fisheries duties for the South Georgia Government from 1991, and were billeted with the small garrison.

Two Government Officers plus partners are stationed on KEP, overlapping by about three months during the busy winter fishing season.

The continued occupation of the station serves a political purpose as well: it helps to maintain British sovereignty against Argentina's claim for ownership of the territory.

King Edward Point and Grytviken have a tundra climate (Köppen ET) with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.