The country is a natural backdrop for royal pageantry: snow-capped mountains, cobbled streets, picturesque villages and even the odd castle or two. Slovenia has only two million people, but vast numbers will turn out to wave flags and celebrate the Queen's state visit to this small Alpine republic that has successfully managed the transition from communism to democracy and EU integration. Its President yesterday applauded the symbolism of a visit from one of Europe's oldest monarchies to one of Europe's youngest countries and expressed his admiration for the land of the Beatles, Shakespeare and Tate Modern. The Queen too has found something of consuming interest: a stud farm of the Lipizzaner horses that dates back to the 16th century.

State visits are a colourful way of expressing Britain's affections, bolstering relations and winning new export markets. The Queen will travel on to Slovakia, another small Central European nation that won independence after its double divorce - from communism and then from the Czech Republic. And though most of her subjects have difficulty distinguishing between the two, she can boast unrivalled diplomatic experience.

The world's most travelled monarch has visited more than 120 countries during her reign. There remain three glaring gaps, however: Ireland, Israel and Greece. All enjoy good relations with Britain, all are democracies and for each this omission is starting to look like a snub. Each poses a complication - history, security and dynastic quarrels. But courage, ingenuity and family reconciliation can overcome this baggage. The Queen is unsurpassed in smoothing out historical differences. Planning should start now.