Meghan Markle's 'inappropriate' outfit slammed at Queen's birthday celebrations

Meghan Markle's first appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace has been met with both applause and criticism.

The newly married Duchess of Sussex, 36, is being slammed for her choice of outfit, with many on social media calling the two-piece ensemble "inappropriate".

Meghan's decision to bare her shoulders at the Trooping the Colour went against royal protocol, despite the 36-year-old recently employing the Queen's long-time palace advisor.

The blush-pink Carolina Herrera bardot-style top showed off perfectly Meghan's honeymoon tan, and complemented her Philip Treacy hat.

But some royal watchers online believe the Duchess should have been more respectful at the Queen's birthday celebrations.

"I like the dress but I don’t think it is appropriate for this event.. She should have covered her shoulders," a167p wrote on Instagram.

While young6068 posted, "Shouldn't her shoulders be covered? Is she taking fashion advice from Fergie?"

It's not the first time Meghan's decision to show her shoulders has been met with disapproval.

In April, the former actress wore a sleeveless Hugo Boss dress to a memorial service in honour of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager murdered in a racially-charged attack 25 years ago.

Meghan's choice of dress at the London church was in stark contrast to the other guests, who wore suit jackets and coats.

The skin-baring look is clearly a favourite of the Duchess', who wore an off-the-shoulder top for one of her first appearances alongside Prince Harry.

Meghan wore the chequered Theory top during a visit to Wales, in January, and the woollen garment instantly sold-out.

And who could forget Meghan's most iconic shoulder-skimming look – that of her Givenchy wedding gown.

It featured a boat-neck style which accentuated the former Suits star's delicate collarbone while showing just a hint of her shoulders.