A Forest of Flagpoles

This odd collection of flagpoles can be seen on Kensington High Street, outside what used to be the Commonwealth Institute. One flagpole for each country in the Commonwealth, and there are a very lot. As the Commonwealth Games play out in India, it is worth giving a minute's thought to what the Commonwealth represents: the remains of the British Empire. I think it is still a good thing, but I confess I'm not entirely certain why. Wikipedia article is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Commonwealth