Brigadier Thornton had recently been appointed to the position of Senior Army Liaison Officer based in London and was heavily involved in co-ordinating the New Zealand contingent during the coronation. Consisting of 135 members of the New Zealand Defence Force, they marched as part of the coronation procession and took their turn (alongside the other Commonwealth nations) standing guard outside Buckingham Palace. Brigadier Thornton had also been chosen to serve as a member of the golden staff during the ceremony. This involved helping to guide guests to their seats in Westminster Abbey and assisting in the procession arrangements.