Questions over Meghan Markle's dress sense for memorial service

Prince Harry with Meghan Markle, who wore a dress many deemed "inappropriate". Photo / Getty Images

Meghan Markle has been criticised on social media for her dress choice for a memorial service.

While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their new son, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an appearance at a much more sombre event.

They attended the memorial service of Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old British black man who, according to People, was murdered in a racially charged attack 25 years ago.

The couple spoke to Lawrence's mother, Prince Harry gave a speech on behalf of Prince Charles and Markle sat next to British Prime Minister Theresa May at the service, which some have called a watershed moment in terms of royals expressing their own political views.

But somehow, Markle's dress drew all the attention of royal-watchers.

The outfit in full. Photo / Getty Images

She sported a sleeveless, black, V-neck dress from Hugo Boss, cinched with a belt and paired with nude pumps and her signature up-do.

Some called the look inappropriate, slamming her bare shoulders and "messy" hair. One commented: "Someone needs a lesson in some decorum. Good grief."

Surprised to see Meghan Markle had her shoulders uncovered at the #StephenLawrence memorial -seems a bit of a fashion faux pas to me?

— MissSeaPeaches (@MissSeaPeaches) April 23, 2018

Well, I was hoping her navy cape dress would be a sartorial turning point, but apparently not. Sorry (not sorry) but this isn’t appropriate for a memorial service. Messy hair, deep v-neck, no sleeves...just, no. #meghanmarkle pic.twitter.com/hL4Oh7197q

— Duchess of Pemberley (@World_Royalty) April 23, 2018

However, not all the comments were bad, and many took to social media to defend and support Markle.

One wrote: "Give her time, she is still learning. We know it should have been a suit or a dress with a collar and sleeves. She is a fashionista of the mod world."

Others suggested people stop criticising her in general and "stop and support" her instead.

We live in a world where criticism and cruel remarks reign. Meghan Markle wears a sleeveless black dress to a funeral in the UK and the British fashion critics bust a gut! Give it a break!

— Cheri Brodeur (@BrodeurCheri) April 24, 2018

I wish people like @MissSeaPeaches and @mgostargazer would stop unconstructively criticizing #meghanmarkle for what she wore at the #StephenLawrence memorial. Michelle wore a sleeveless dress and no stockings (Melania too) to Mrs Bush’s funeral. #Stop & #encourage Meghan! pic.twitter.com/GrI3BLeZNe

— Ally Lolita Portee (@allyportee) April 24, 2018