Here's why Kate Middleton stood in front of Meghan Markle at 'Trooping the Colour'

Since entering the royal family last month, Meghan Markle has found herself making headlines every week for a variety of different reasons. On the one hand, you've got those who adore the new Duchess of Sussex. Meghan's background, former career and outspoken feminism make her an interesting and modern member of the archaic and outdated family. However, some people aren't so keen.

Last weekend, Meghan - alongside the rest of her new family - attended the Trooping the Colour: a 260-year-old tradition to honour the reigning monarch's birthday. According to the official royal website, "over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark The Queen's official birthday."

The Duchess looked absolutely gorgeous in her bespoke Carolina Herrera dress and matching Philip Treacy hat. However, for some harsh critics, Meghan was showing off too much shoulder and they took to Twitter to vent the criticisms: "Off the shoulder is inappropriate day wear at the Trooping or any official engagement," one critic snapped during their commentary on the event.

"I do feel her choice of an off the shoulder dress was pushing it for HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday celebration," wrote another on social media. "I have a feeling she’s going to push the limits a little too much?!"

But, Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, had nothing but praise from Meghan's summery look. "It was deemed by some people to be a bit revealing, but personally I couldn't see any harm in it," Little said about Markle's getup. "She looked great. There are no rules for the birthday parade, but I'm not sure it matters."

While at the ceremony, Meghan could be seen standing on the balcony with the rest of the family. However, it was noted that she was positioned behind Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Sussex. Little says that this is due to the Royals standing in order of their rank.

"She was not as prominent perhaps as some people might have expected, but there's a pecking order," Little told People. "There was no slight intended, but William being the older, more senior brother would go out first with his wife. She was central rather than the alternative of being in the front row and along the balcony to the left or right."

"[Meghan] was still in a good position," adds Little. "She was central rather than the alternative of being in the front row and along the balcony to the left or right."

A palace source says Meghan’s balcony position "would have come from her. There’s no one laying this out, telling her where to stand. And there were a lot of kids who everyone would want at the front."

So while it may have looked like the Royals were excluding Meghan at the occasion, it turns out she was just following protocol.