Former Australian prime minister John Howard has been appointed a member of the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth.
The Order of Merit is a special mark of honour for "exceptional distinction in the arts, learning, sciences and other areas such as public service".
Unlike the New Year's Honours list announced on Saturday, appointments to the Order of Merit are given at the discretion of the monarch.
The ABC reports nine other Australians have received the honour, including Sidney Nolan and Dame Joan Sutherland.
