The Queen continues to draw the crowds, as she concludes the final leg of her Jubilee tour of Wales.

Hundreds of school children have lined the route of the Queen's Jubilee tour of south Wales.

The Queen meets well-wishers in Treorchy

Her Majesty delivered a keynote speech to the Welsh assembly in Cardiff Bay on Thursday afternoon, concluding her three-day visit.

The Queen told Assembly Members devolution had created a system "more accountable to the electorate".

She described the assembly as an "evolving part of the constitution".

"It is an example of how our system of government can adjust to new demands peacefully and democratically.

"As Queen of the United Kingdom I follow with great interest the work of all the parliaments and assemblies of the United Kingdom.

"I hope and pray that you, as members of the National Assembly for Wales, will continue to work together to serve the common good and the people of this proud and beautiful land."

Her Majesty said Wales was overcoming the difficulties of industrial decline and "a new life has been breathed into the area".

The Queen and Prince Phillip began the last day of their visit arriving at Bridgend station in the Royal train, greeted by dozens of well-wishers.

Journeying by car to the Rhondda Valley, the Royal party was greeted by school children singing: "She'll be stopping in Treorchy when she comes."

The Queen and Prince Philip then visited the prestigious Rhondda Heritage Park visitor centre in Trehafod, delving into the valley's mining heritage.

The Royal couple then travelled to the Newport Centre for a lunch attended by 250 guests.

The Queen was shown the Royal charter bequeathing city status on Newport for the Jubilee year.

Lunch was followed by a Royal walkabout in Commercial Street, meeting more well-wishers.

Keynote speech

School children who had been given the day off lined the streets and the Queen and Prince Philip later visited local youth group projects in Newport.

Later on Thursday afternoon, the Queen delivered a keynote speech to the Welsh assembly in Cardiff Bay.

On Wednesday, the Queen opened the Millennium Coastal Park in Llanelli, west Wales, and attended a festival of Youth and Community Service at Margam Park, near Port Talbot.

The Royal couple had arrived on Anglesey on Tuesday, and were cheered by crowds as she carried out a string of engagements across north Wales, including a service at Bangor Cathedral.

The Queen watches a whittling demonstration

But while the rest of the tour has been for the people, the visit to Cardiff Bay will be the political highlight of the trip.

Only AMs and their partners have been invited, and First Minister Rhodri Morgan will be taking his 96-year-old mother.

Most members will be keen to hear what the Queen makes of devolution.

A similar speech to the Scottish Parliament a fortnight ago proved to be surprisingly political.

Hard work

In that speech, she praised the new parliamentary body, but urged the Scots to give it time.

The Queen told members of the parliament that they were strengthening the bonds linking the nations of the United Kingdom.

She said people should not rush to instant judgements but respect the hard work of the parliament.

During that visit, seven members of the Scottish National Party stayed away, although claims of a boycott were denied.

In Cardiff, seven out of the 60 AMs are expected not to attend.

Some are away or abroad, while others have not given a reason for their absence.