Among the accolades on our national day, a knighthood was dished out to Prince Philip, who is the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II’s consort.

Protesters on social media were quick to point out a string of the prince’s public gaffs, including a question put to Aboriginal leader Ivan Brim in 2002: “Do you still throw spears at each other?”

A chorus of voices slammed the move, claiming one of the nation’s top honours should be reserved for Australians. 

Local man John Vickery said the announcement was “gobsmacking” and raised question marks about Mr Abbott’s leadership. 

“I think it’s absurd beyond belief,” Mr Vickery said. 

“He (Abbott) said the honour would be for an Australian and he’s given it to a foreigner. Sadly, he lied again.

“If they don’t dump him now, they might as well give the keys to Bill Shorten.”

Federal member for New England Barnaby Joyce said he had no doubt the prince had contributed to Australia through the Duke of Edinburgh program, but would have preferred the title to go to an Australian.

“I’m of the strong belief that all awards should be for Australians,” Mr Joyce said. 

“These things are calls made by the prime minister on his own volition and that’s his entitlement.”

Self-avowed monarchist and Tamworth councillor Mark Rodda said he was “ambivalent” about the knighting of Prince Phillip, who is in his 90s. 

“I understand the confusion some people might have as to why a member of the royal family is entitled to it more than someone in Australia. There probably would be more worthy Australians that could benefit from getting an award like that,” Cr Rodda said.

Australian Monarchist League national chairman Philip Benwell said the award was “in no way” undeserving or un-Australian, as Prince Philip is the consort of Australia’s head of state and holds positions in the Australian navy, army and air force.