Gillard takes swipe at Abbott over Prince Philip knighthood

Julia Gillard was handed a golden opportunity to take a swipe at Prime Minister Tony Abbott over his contentious decision to award the Queen's husband, Prince Philip, with a knighthood.

And she didn't disappoint.

"Why did you fight to not knight Prince Philip?" the former PM was asked at an "in conversation" event at Sydney University's Manning Bar last night, Fairfax Media reports.

The theme of the interview was education but the conversation began with this topical question from Gillard's interrogator, former NSW education minister Verity Firth.

"I had this clearly eccentric idea that Australian honours should be for Australians," said Gillard as the crowd burst into laughter.

"I'm trying not to involve myself too much in commentary on domestic politics ... but perhaps I should say that from my home in Adelaide that there are weeks when it's harder to watch Australian politics for me and there are weeks that are somewhat easier."