The coronation of Louis XVI took place in the historic city of Reims, a traditional site for French royal ceremonies, where many kings were crowned since the time of Clovis I in the 5th century. The ceremony on June 11 was steeped in rich tradition, incorporating various religious rites meant to sanctify the king's rule. One of the most significant moments was the anointing, where Louis was blessed with holy oil, symbolizing divine approval of his kingship. Surrounded by nobility and clergy, the event reflected the hierarchy and grandeur of the French monarchy. The opulence of the occasion was both a display of royal power and an attempt to consolidate Louis XVI’s rule after he ascended to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Louis XV.

While Louis XVI's coronation was meant to unify the nation under a benevolent king, it ironically occurred during a time of growing discontent among the populace. France faced financial struggles due to costly wars and a rigid class system that marginalized the Third Estate. This disenchantment would later contribute to the conditions leading to the French Revolution. Despite the regal pageantry and celebration surrounding the coronation, there were underlying currents of dissent that would ultimately challenge the monarchy's authority in the coming years.