And in other Australia Day Honours news

[lurker172602]

Is it Australia Day - or April Fool's Day?

That was a question being posed on social media after an early morning statement from Prime Minister Tony Abbott revealed the Queen's husband, Prince Philip, had been awarded a knight of the Order of Australia, the country's highest honour.

The 93-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, who has made a string of controversial and memorable gaffes during his wife's reign, became a trending topic on Twitter in Australia shortly after Mr Abbott announced that he would receive the honour alongside Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

The online reaction was largely one of incredulity, and it was far from complimentary.

The Age (more here)

[debra9275]

I just read the comments Lurker and I noticed that even one of TA's biggest fans, Chris Kenny also think's it's stupid 

[lurker172602]

@chriskenny

Is there no one in the office capable of uttering the simple phrase: "This is a dumb idea that is all pain and no gain?"
7:10 AM - 26 Jan 2015

@HughRundle

I’m starting to wonder if Tony Abbott is actually just one of the Chaser boys waiting for us to realise. http://hugh.li/l/kl
8:09 AM - 26 Jan 2015

[debra9275]

[lurker172602]

@jethom17

Congratulations Prince Philip on your knighthood, and congratulations the Middle Ages on becoming a thing again!
8:15 AM - 26 Jan 2015

[lurker172602]

Mr Abbott made special mention of the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Australia, which he said had positively influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Australians.

Brisbane Times

Seriously?  I don't know much about the organisation but what has he actually done for it other than let it use his title?

[gleee58]

Sir Prince Phillip or Sir Duke of Edinburgh, what does that make the Queen? Lady Queen Elizabeth?

[polksaladallie]

I think that he needs to be very careful with the missus wielding the sword around his head and neck.  He has been a naughty boy.

[cherry*135]

Duke of Edinburgh awards.
" I don't know much about the organisation but what has he actually done for it other than let it use his title?"

I do remember him coming to NZ sometimes to present the awardees with their awards. Whether he tied it in with a Royal Visit or made an extra trip I don't remember. Either way not really Knighthood worthy - personally handing out awards in ones name.

Windsor Castle had a great display on his life when he turned 90, it was very interesting. Still nothing specifically Australian re knighthood worthy.

I think Abbott wants a Knighthood for himself later.. May get shown the door instead

[gleee58]