Queen Elizabeth II today presented her husband Prince Philip with an insignia of his Australian knighthood, the awarding of which plunged Prime Minister Tony Abbott into crisis earlier this year.
The citation recognises the 93-year-old Duke of Edinburgh's long service to the British monarchy and the Commonwealth, adding: "He has served Australia with distinction and is patron of over 800 organisations."
But the announcement of the award on Australia Day on January 26 prompted ridicule for Abbott and incensed members of his ruling coalition who were already struggling with falling poll numbers and an unpopular budget.
Many Australians want to cut ties with the monarchy and become a republic, and the media dubbed the decision to make Philip a knight of the Order of Australia a "knightmare".
The queen presented her husband with the insignia during a ceremony at Windsor Castle attended by Australia's High Commissioner, Alexander Downer.
