The Commonwealth is an anachronism.

[coconuttella]

Yes, it had its purpose as the U.K. extricated itself from its empire, but as it’s over 50 years since most countries were given independence, what’s the point? I’m thinking it should pass away when the Queen does. I really can’t see the point in an organisation of diverse countries whose sole common denominator is that they were once part of the British Empire many years ago. By all means the U.K. should have strong relationships with its former colonies, but an umbrella organisation isn’t needed to facilitate this.... it’s a pointless relic from a bygone age.

Toadinthehole: Round these parts (NZ) the Commonwealth has become invisible

You are to be envied! So, you no longer have things like official royal visits solely to drum up warm fuzzy feelings for the Commonwealth, the Union Flag has been removed from your own, the image of the Queen no longer appears on new coins or any stamps, you didn't participate in the recent Commonwealth Games, "God Save the Queen" is no longer one of your two official national anthems - and, most important of all, you no longer have a Governor-General who is trotted out for some official occasions.

Oh, the Monarchy cost New Zealand $4.5 million pa (2010): only $1/per person, but money that would hire, for example, approximately 450 nurses.

There was a kind of commonwealth of dominions before the war (Canada, Newfoundland, South Africa, Australia, NZ, UK), not part of the Empire, and all independent of one another, just under the same monarch.

The countries which you mentioned, plus the Irish Free State, were "autonomous Communities within the British Empire" and were British Dominions which were definitely part of the "His Majesty's dominions" (note the lower case to represent the difference). His Majesty's dominions referred to the British Empire as a whole. Whist semi-independent, these Dominions were definitely part of the Empire.

Commonwealth membership is also open to countries which were never part of the former empire. OK, only one has joined, but it can and has happened.

Two countries actually - Rwanda and Mozambique. The fact I only learnt this from a BBC article the other day may or may not say something about the general relevance of the commonwealth in the UK...

I saw a bit of the documentary on the Queen and the Commonwealth a few weeks ago. It said the Queen pressured Thatcher into agreeing to sanctions against apartheid South Africa as the other Commonwealth leaders wanted.

I dont have a problem with the Commonwealth, if countries want in or out that is up to them.