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".