Carl III, born Charles John of Sweden, ascended to the Norwegian throne after a tumultuous period involving shifts in power and national identity. Following the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Norway was ceded from Denmark to Sweden, leading to the establishment of a dual monarchy under the Swedish crown. The coronation took place at the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, a city steeped in history and significance for Norwegian monarchy, being the traditional site for the coronation of Norwegian kings since medieval times.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and nobles from both Norway and Sweden, highlighting the carefully curated political ties between the two kingdoms. Carl III, as King of Norway, not only sought to secure his position through this formal ceremony but also aimed to foster a sense of Norwegian identity within the context of a united monarchy. The event sought to reassure the Norwegian populace of their status and representation under the new regime, emphasizing a cooperative future.

The coronation ceremony involved traditional rites, including an oath of allegiance from Carl III and a celebration of the royal lineage. The importance of this event lay not just in the act of crowning but in symbolizing reconciliation and acceptance between the two countries that were learning to navigate their shared sovereignty and cultural unity following the strains of previous conflicts.