Gustav III was born on January 24, 1746, as the son of King Adolf Frederick and Queen Louisa Ulrika of Sweden. Following the death of his father in 1771, Gustav became king at the age of 25 during a time when Sweden was struggling with political factions and a weakened monarchy. On the day of his coronation, a grand ceremony took place at the Storkyrkan in Stockholm, attended by nobility, foreign dignitaries, and the public. The event was a pivotal moment not only for Gustav III but also for Sweden, as he aimed to restore the power of the monarchy amidst rising radical sentiments and parliamentary influence.

Gustav III modernized the Swedish state by introducing several reforms in government, culture, and society. He was a patron of the arts and is often associated with significant cultural developments during his reign. His passion for theater led to the establishment of the Royal Swedish Opera, while his interest in literature and the fine arts fostered a vibrant cultural scene in Stockholm. The king's aspirations were not without conflict; he faced opposition from elements within the Swedish parliament and military, yet his dedication to elevating Sweden’s stature in Europe set the tone for his rule.

As his reign progressed, Gustav III's ambitions for an absolute monarchy and his public persona as a leader who championed the arts made him a significant figure in Swedish history. His coronation marked the beginning of a transformative era characterized by both advancement and unrest, culminating later in his assassination in 1792, which significantly altered the course of Swedish history.