The Royal couple visited Newport and spoke to children and former miners in the Rhondda, before Her Majesty is due to deliver a keynote speech at the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff Bay.

Also on the itinerary are a drive through the shopping centre of Bridgend, a visit to the Heritage Park at Trehafod and a reception given by Cardiff City Council.

The Queen watches a whittling demonstration

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.

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.

The Queen unveils a commemorative plaque

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

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.