Mirren had an addendum to rule number two, and we’ve no doubt that it will strike a chord with women everywhere.

“No matter what sex you are, or race, be a feminist,” she said.

“In every country and culture that I have visited, from Sweden to Uganda, from Singapore to Mali, it is clear that when women are given respect, and the ability and freedom to pursue their personal dreams and ambitions, life improves for everyone.”

Mirren continued: “I didn't define myself as a feminist until quite recently, but I had always lived like a feminist and believed in the obvious: that women were as capable and as energetic and as inspiring as men. But to join a movement called feminism seemed too didactic, too political.

“However, I have come to understand that feminism is not an abstract idea but a necessity if we — and really by ‘we,’ I mean you guys — are to move us forward and not backward into ignorance and fearful jealousy. So now, I am a declared feminist and I would encourage you to be the same.”

Shooting a wry smile at the crown, the Academy Award winner added: “Oh, and addendum to the addendum — never again allow a group of old, rather grumpy, rich white men define the health care of a country that is 50.8% women and 37% other races.”

Realising that she had, perhaps, gone off on a tangent, Mirren went on to reveal her third rule for a happy life.

“Ignore anyone who judges the way you look, especially if he or she is some anonymous creep lurking on the Internet,” she said. “And if you are that person lurking on the Internet — STOP IT, just stop it, go outside and DO something.”

The fourth rule was similarly badass, with Mirren insisting that we all need to learn to stop letting ourselves be ruled by our fears.

“For the moments when you are challenged by other fears – like ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘Am I smart enough?’ ‘Will I fail?’ – throw caution to the winds, look fear straight-away in its ugly face, and barge forward.

“And when you get past it, turn around and give it a good swift kick in the ass.”

Calling all millennials: Helen Mirren has shared her top 5 rules for a happy life