The British actor was given the honour at a ceremony in the U.K. capital on Thursday (08Mar12). It traditionally permits the recipient to be drunk and disorderly on the streets of the city without fearing arrest, and to drive sheep over London Bridge - but these privileges are mainly symbolic in modern times.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, The King's Speech star Firth told the BBC, ""London is my home and I'm hugely touched and honoured by this gesture.""

Previous recipients of the traditional honour include ex-Prime Ministers Benjamin Disraeli and Robert Peel, and writer Rudyard Kipling.