Australia drops knights and dames

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the country will no longer appoint knights and dames, calling the titles anachronistic.

The cabinet "agreed that knights and dames are not appropriate in our modern honors system," a statement from the government said on Monday.

"Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to the government's recommendation to remove knights and dames from the Order of Australia."

The change will not affect those already bestowed with either title.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Order of Australia, an honors system recognizing individuals for achievement or service to Australia.

The titles were brought back by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott last year, 28 years after they were retired under the leadership of Bob Hawke's Labor government.

In January, Abbott bestowed a title on Prince Philip, one of five that were awarded during the honors' brief return. The move was highly unpopular -- the public dubbed it a "Knightmare" and complained the award should have gone to an Australian, especially seeing as Queen Elizabeth II's husband already holds over 70 titles.

Source: CNN News