U.K. Network Playing 'Emoji Movie' During Queen's Funeral Divides Viewers

On a historic day for the United Kingdom, residents seemed to have the choice of watching the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, or The Emoji Movie.

U.K. broadcaster Channel 5, one of the five non-cable channels in the country, decided to air children's TV programming, while almost every other network covered the funeral.

The move has been met with mockery, condemnation and praise online, as The Emoji Movie and Channel 5 became trending topics.

After 10 days of mourning following her death on September 8, the monarch's funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, before she was driven to her final resting place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, Berkshire.

The funeral coverage got underway early in the U.K. but from 11:10 a.m., Channel 5 aired The Emoji Movie, then Stuart Little, then Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, then Sing.

"Really don't understand the criticism of Channel 5 for showing The Emoji Movie, Stuart Little etc during the queen's funeral," wrote Twitter user @tdnightingale on Twitter.

"What are kids of families who don't have paid TV/streaming supposed to do otherwise, sit and watch white people in suits look overly sad for 6 hours?"

In the comment section to this popular tweet, many wrote that the momentous occasion should have been recognized in a different way for children, relating to the royal family.

Others who preferred not to watch the queen's funeral praised Channel 5 for giving viewers an option.

"not the heroes we wanted... but the heroes we deserve..." wrote @sapphyreblayze, while @cleoofffilm tweeted that the channel's decision to air the famously panned movie will become a "cult classic representing dissent against the establishment."

Upon release, The Emoji Movie, which features the voice talents of James Corden, Patrick Stewart, Anna Faris and Christina Aguilera, received incredibly negative reviews and won four Golden Raspberry awards.

"Cant believe we are finally here, it's going to be such a tough watch. Good luck everyone getting through The Emoji Movie on Channel 5 this morning," wrote @davemacladd.

"You got me siding with the [,,,] Emoji Movie," another tweeted, while @panoparker wrote, "That was so emotional, I didn't think it would hit me that hard. Nothing but respect for the people that made the emoji movie that was a masterpiece."

Movie journalist Chris Hewitt tweeted: "Suitably subdued atmosphere, as you might expect from a roomful of people who know they're missing The Emoji Movie."

Prince William's third child, Prince Louis, missed the funeral of his great grandmother. Many people on Twitter predicted that the royal 4-year-old was at home enjoying the alternative programming on television.

"No sign of Prince Louis, he's probably at the palace watching the Emoji Movie on Channel 5," @captain_az wrote, receiving 65,000 likes.

Meanwhile @gortavfc made the same joke but implied he'd be doing so like Kevin McCallister from Home Alone.

Newsweek has reached out to Channel 5's representatives for further comment.