Actor joins order of Bards

Updated 16.06 Fri Aug 08 2008

Keywords: Gorsedd of Bards, Matthew Rhys, Brothers and Sisters, The Edge of Love, Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller

Actor Matthew Rhys has spoken of his pride at joining a Druidic order of bards.

The 'Edge Of Love' star was back home in Cardiff to be inducted at Wales's National Eisteddfod.

"The honour is double or 10 times more when you hear the names of those who have gone before you" - Matthew Rhys

Handed out to those deemed to have made a significant contribution to Welsh culture and the Welsh language, membership of the Gorsedd of Bards is the highest honour bestowed by the annual festival.

Dressed in a billowing white robe and head dress, Rhys, 32, said he approached the occasion with "absolute reverence".

He said: "The honour is double or ten times more when you hear the names of those who have gone before you and the things they have achieved.

"It's humbling to be in their number."

Other famous members include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

The Eisteddfod described Rhys as one of the world's most recognisable actors and a "credit to his Cardiff upbringing".

"I was brought up as an 'Eisteddfodwr' and the robes are so unique, it has a big effect on you as a child," he said. "It's one of the big things that you remember."

Rhys said he would spend the weekend in Cardiff with his family before heading back to LA to resume filming TV series 'Brothers and Sisters'.