Raise a London Dry Gin to the Queen on Australia's National Day of Mourning public holiday

First things first, make sure you wear something pastel-coloured and pair it with a hat, because it's almost summer and British royals seem to love their over-the-top hats.

Next, kick off the day with the great tradition of scones and tea, obviously.

Make sure there's a generous amount of jam and cream involved. If you have a dog, it's important to slip a decent piece of scone under the table for them, because that's what the Queen would have wanted. Extra points if it's a corgie.

Repeat this process for afternoon tea, too.

When the scones are out of the way, it's time for an activity - possibly lawn bowls, maybe some cricket. Fly some tiny British flags from the cricket stumps if you're feeling crafty.

Take a drive down to your local rowing club to attend a regatta, or to the track to watch a horse race. Make sure to bring a pair of those tiny opera binoculars if you want to get really Downton Abbey with it.

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For lunch, try a plate full of small, dainty, finger sandwiches. White bread, with the crusts cut off. Perhaps an understated cucumber sandwich? Or a simple marmalade, favoured by the devoted Paddington Bear.

By 2pm, you may start thinking "is it too early to have a drink?", to which the answer is, "of course not".

A Gin and Tonic, preferably London Dry, which was rumoured to be Queen Elizabeth II's favourite. Add a slice and lemon, lots of ice, make a toast, and prepare to call in sick to work on Friday. Unless you're in Melbourne, where Friday is the AFL Grand Final eve public holiday. Woot!

After a couple of G'n'T's, you'll be ready to settle in for all four seasons of The Crown, and to join the call for the next public holiday. Marking Roger Federer's retirement, perhaps?