Former Defence Force chief, Angus Houston, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, have been named as Australia's next knights.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the Queen has accepted his recommendation that the pair be awarded Australia's highest honour as Knights of the Order of Australia.

He says Prince Philip is receiving the honour to recognise his contribution to Australia over the course of the Queen's 62-year reign.

Air Chief Marshal Houston's knighthood acknowledges what the prime minister describes as his "extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia over many years".