article: The Duke of Edinburgh has been presented with the insignia of his Australian knighthood by the Queen, in recognition of his contribution to the Commonwealth nation. Prince Philip was presented with the award on Wednesday by his wife, despite significant criticism  of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott following the announcement in January that he had recommended the Duke for the honour. 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.' Scroll down for video . The Duke of Edinburgh has been presented with the insignia of his Australian knighthood by the Queen . The Duke of Edinburgh, who served in the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War, wore 17 medals and decorations when he visited the new SSAFA charity headquarters in central London in November 2013 . 'For three quarters of a century, Prince Philip has served the Crown, and the wider Commonwealth. He served originally as an officer in the Royal Navy and then as a member of the Royal Family,' the citation said. Mr Abbott’s announcement on Australia Day - celebrated on January 26 - that the Queen’s consort would be awarded his nation’s highest award prompted questions over the wisdom of knighting a British royal on a day meant to commemorate their countrymen. The media dubbed the decision to make Philip a knight of the Order of Australia a 'knightmare', and incited public criticism from within Mr Abbott's own backbenchers as well as the Opposition. 'I stand by the decision. I understand why some people don't like it,' he said. 'I respect their right to be critical... and I take it on the chin, I take it on the chin,' Mr Abbott told reporters at the time. The prime minister - who confirmed he did not consult his own chief of staff Peta Credlin - said there would be 'considerable more consultation around these awards' in the future. Mr Abbott said in a speech at the National Press Club this month that he accepted the decision was a 'captain's call', and he 'probably overdid it on awards'. The Queen presented the Duke with the insignia of a Knight of the Order of Australia (pictured) The  investiture ceremony was held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday . Australia’s High Commissioner, Alexander Downer (above right), was present during the ceremony in the Castle’s White Drawing Room . 'I just want to make it clear that all awards in the Order of Australia will henceforth be entirely a matter for the Order of Australia Council,' he said. During the investiture ceremony, held at Windsor Castle, the Queen presented the Duke with the insignia of a Knight of the Order of Australia. Australia’s High Commissioner, Alexander Downer, was present during the ceremony in the Castle’s White Drawing Room. The accolade is just one of dozens of awards received by Philip, who is already a Knight of the Order of the Elephant in Denmark, a Royal Chief of the Order of Logohu in Papua New Guinea, and a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Mr Abbott’s announcement on Australia Day - celebrated on January 26 - prompted criticism . Mr Abbott said Prince Philip (right) had made a 'great contribution' to Australian society during his time . He is also a Knight of the Garter, a Knight of the Thistle, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, an Earl, a Baron and the Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy. The prime minister's office first sought advice about giving the Queen's husband a knighthood in November 2014, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet officials confirmed in January. They also revealed the Letters Patent for the Order of Australia had to be amended because the Duke of Edinburgh was not an Australian citizen, making him an 'honorary' knight only. Mr Abbott sent a cover letter to the Queen with the amended Letters Patent in mid-December. The Queen agreed to the recommendation to knight her husband on January 7, 2015. The 92-year-old Duke joined the Royal Navy in 1939, aged 19, and served throughout the Second World War and on until 1953, when he gave up his active career in the Navy after the Queen ascended the throne. Since then he has held various military posts, including Admiral of the Fleet and Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy. Array of honour: The Duke of Edinburgh, who joined the Royal Navy straight from school in 1939, wore 17 medals and decorations when he opened the new headquarters of armed forces charity SSAFA in late 2013 . The Duke's medals as seen above, left to right: . Queen’s Service Order, New Zealand: This is awarded by the Government of New Zealand for service to the country . 1939-1945 Star: A campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service during the Second World War. Atlantic Star: Awarded this in 1945 for service in the Atlantic during the Second World War . Africa Star: Awarded in 1945 for service in Africa during the Second World War . Burma Star (with Pacific Rosette): Awarded for service in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War . Italy Star: Awarded for service in Italy and surrounding areas in the Second World War . War Medal 1939-1945, with Mention in Dispatches: Awarded to those who served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy for at least 28 days between 1939-45.  The oak leaf on the ribbon denotes the Mention in Despatches. King George VI Coronation Medal, 1937: These medals were made to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth . Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, 1953: A commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II . Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, 1977: A commemorative medal created in 1977 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne . Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002: A commemorative medal created in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne . Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012: A commemorative medal created last year to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne . Canadian Forces Decoration (4 Bars): This honorary award was presented to the Duke in April this year . New Zealand Commemoration Medal, 1990: This was awarded only during 1990 to around 3,000 people in recognition of contributions made to New Zealand life . Malta George Cross 50th Anniversary Medal, 1992: This is a commemorative medal awarded by, or in the name of, the President of Malta . Greek War Cross, 1950: This is awarded for heroism in wartime to both Greeks and foreign allies.  The Duke earned his for his bravery in fighting the Italians when they invaded Greece in 1941. Croix de Guerre (France) with Palm, 1948: A French military decoration to honour people who fought with the Allies against Axis nations in the Second World War.
highlights: The Duke of Edinburgh has been presented with his Australian knighthood .
  The Queen gave him the insignia of a Knight of the Order of Australia .
  The citation said that the Duke 'has served Australia with distinction'
  Tony Abbott's decision to award him with the honour was controversial .
  He was criticised by members of his government as well as the public .
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