Former Defence Force chief, Angus Houston, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, have been named as Australia's next knights. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the Queen accepted his recommendation that the Duke of Edinburgh and Air Chief Marshal Houston 'be awarded Australia's highest honour as Knights of the Order of Australia'. Mr Abbott said Prince Philip was receiving the honour to recognise his contribution to Australia over the course of the Queen's 62-year reign. Scroll down for video Prime Minister Tony Abbott recommended former Defence Chief Angus Houston for a knighthood Sir Houston (left) led the investigation into missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
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Former Defence Force chief Angus Houston has been given a knighthood
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He led the investigations into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and the shooting down of MH17 over Ukraine
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Sir Houston served in the armed forces for more than forty years
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'Throughout his life, Sir Angus has put Australia first,' Prime Minister said
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Duke of Edinburgh also awarded Knight of the Order of Australia honour
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He was recognised for his contribution to Australia
'Successive governments have relied on Sir @placeholder' wisdom, judgment and character,' Mr Abbott said.