Prime Minister Tony Abbott is facing a growing backlash over his decision to bestow a knighthood on Prince Philip.

The decision, revealed on Australia Day, has both puzzled and angered many of his colleagues keen for the Government to start the year on the front foot.

The decision is being cited as further evidence that the Prime Minister is out of touch, and may add to internal concerns about his leadership.





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The decision to knight Prince Philip has reportedly caused anger within the government. Source: Supplied





It will also dent his efforts to reset the Government's agenda in 2015.

Yesterday, Cabinet ministers told the ABC they were bewildered, angered and dismayed by the award.

Now two Queensland federal MPs have broken ranks to publicly criticise the knighthood, which others have called "a stupid announcement", "beyond ridiculous" and "another error of political judgment".

Coalition MP Ewen Jones says he agrees governors-general could be eligible to be made knights or dames, but not British royals.

"I didn't believe it," he said.





"I thought of all the things we could do on Australia Day ... Townsville's citizen of the year was a 50-year volunteer of the Girl Guides. I think there's a lot more for Australia that she's done than Prince Philip."

But Mr Jones does not think the decision reflects on the Prime Minister's political judgment or on the Government.





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Prince Philip shares a laugh with his wife, the Queen. Source: AAP





"Everyone knows that Tony Abbott holds the monarchy very close to himself," he said.

"This is a captain's pick in which he's made it very clear that this is what he wants to do. This has nothing to do with Government policy; it has nothing to do with process.

"This is something that Tony believes we as a nation need to do. I disagree, but I don't think this shows that he is disconnected from the Australian people at all.

"Would I have done it? No. But do I object to him doing it? No, I don't object to him doing it."

MP says decision adds to 'downward spiral'

Another MP was more forthright, saying the announcement took the edge off what could have been a good message for Australia Day and showed the Prime Minister's misunderstanding of where Australia is at.

The MP said it was "a stupid announcement" and "manifestly amazing in the worst possible way".

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