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KNIGHTHOODS are an affront to Australian democracy, according to former national chair of the Australian Republic Movement and Hobart-based lawyer Greg Barnes.
Mr Barnes was responding to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's decision to grant an Australian knighthood to the husband of the Queen, 93-year-old Prince Philip.
"Phil the Greek cares as much about Australia as most Australians do about the result of the next election in Kazakhstan," he said.
"I just want to thank Tony Abbott for furthering the cause of Australian republicans. What a farce."
Tasmanian President of Australians for Constitutional Monarch Reg Watson said the choice to present Prince Philip with an Australian knighthood was "an interesting one".
However, Mr Watson said he agreed with Mr Abbott's "captain's call", saying the appointment was "good news and a good choice".
"Prince Philip of course does have a long association of service and visitation to Australia and Tasmania" he said.
"His service to our country of Australia has been immense and it is a fine recognition by the Australian government for his achievements down through these many decades."
The decision to grant a knighthood to Prince Philip has been highly criticised on social media and from within the Prime Minister's own party.