Letter: There is life in the Commonwealth still

Sir: Peter Hennessy says in his review of The Queen, by Kenneth Harris (21 April), that only the monarch seems to see life in the Commonwealth. This is certainly not the case.

By any measure, the Commonwealth is thriving and growing; South Africa's imminent return is but one example. Other countries wish to join. None want to leave. The Commonwealth is not a British institution, a mistake often made by British commentators. It is an international grouping with no centre and no periphery linking 50 sovereign nations and actively promoting democracy, the rule of law and human rights among its members. Much of the Commonwealth's work may be unseen, but it should not be unsung.

Yours faithfully,

MICHAEL FATHERS

Director of Public Affairs

Commonwealth Secretariat

London, SW1