SOME said it was a pagan ceremony, but yesterday the next Archbishop of Canterbury joined a long list of notable Welsh people in the Gorsedd of Bards.
Archbishop of Wales Dr Rowan Williams, who will move from Newport to Lambeth Palace in the autumn, joined the ranks of the white-robed honorary druids in a solemn ceremony at the National Eisteddfod at St David's in Pembrokeshire.
Those who have gone before him include movie star Richard Burton, opera star Bryn Terfel, former Welsh secretary Ron Davies and cricketer Robert Croft. As an honorary white druid, Dr Williams will take part in three ceremonies at the Eisteddfod - the annual celebration of Welsh culture honouring poets and musicians.
He said: "The National Eisteddfod and the Gorsedd are an important and integral part of Wales' national life. Admission to the Gorsedd is one of the greatest honours which Wales can bestow on her citizens.
"When approached by the Gorsedd and invited to receive the honour of being admitted to the Gorsedd I was delighted to accept.
"I am also, of course, delighted to be following in the footsteps of my predecessors as Archbishop of Wales in being admitted."
He was given the Bardic name of ap Aneurin in an hour-long service which brought him into the highest of the Gorsedd's three orders.
Dr Williams, 52, chose the name after both Aneurin Bevan, who masterminded the National Health Service, and a sixth century Welsh poet.
* Pictured: Dr Rowan Williams is inducted as a druid at the Eisteddfod near St David's
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article