Japanese Princess Mako on Tuesday formalized her marriage to her university lover and commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro, thus renouncing her royal status as dictated by Japanese law.
Princess Mako finally marries her “commoner” boyfriend, Kei Komuro, and gives up her royal status
The couple registered their marriage by signing papers at a local office in Tokyo’s Akasaka district in the morning, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
The union of Mako and her husband, widely criticized nationwide, was not a lavish royal affair and did not have an elaborate ritual, such as a grand reception by Japan’s imperial family.
She also refused a monetary payment of 150 million yen (about $1 million) given to female members of royal families who marry commoners and leave their family after marriage. She is the first female member of the royal family to refuse both the rituals and the monetary gift.
Mako, wearing a pale blue dress and holding a bouquet of flowers, left her home around 10 a.m. Tuesday after greeting her parents, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, and hugging her younger sister, Princess Kako. He greeted his parents before his car left the royal family’s residence.
Her partner, Komuro, bowed to the cameras gathered outside their home as he left in an impeccable dark suit and tie.
The two have decided to forgo a formal meeting with Mako’s aunt and uncle, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, before leaving Tokyo.
The newlyweds are expected to address the media at a press conference later in the day and make a brief statement. Mako and her husband will also respond in writing to five pre-selected questions.
However, the written answers will be delivered because Mako “feels great anxiety” in answering questions verbally, the official added.
The couple, who met in 2012 at Tokyo International Christian University, will soon move to the United States, where Komuro studied and practices law. In addition, Mako will begin her internship in New York at a Manhattan law firm.
