He dismissed the criticism by saying such social media chatter was simply 'electronic graffiti'.

Well, yes, the writing is definitely on the wall with this one ... the public thinks this is a bad call.

A Knighthood is Australia's highest individual honour and as such most people would expect any recipient to have done an enormous amount for this nation.

True, we are part of the Commonwealth and as such anyone could argue the Monarchy has done great things.

There's no doubting Prince Philip's popularity among the many monarchists who live in our great nation. But at the heart of this debate about whether he is worthy is what role he has actually played in shaping our nation and its history.

Interestingly a poll late yesterday showed only eight per cent of people thought Prince Philip had served Australia with distinction while 92 per cent said the decision to give him a Knighthood had taken the nation back to the 18th Century.

Hope they don't post the results on social media.

Rod Case, editor