Princess Mako of Japan Marries Commoner and Loses Royal Status
Princess Mako Komuro of Japan finally wed long-time partner Kei Komuro on Tuesday after years of controversy and a break in tradition. But in marrying her college sweetheart, a “commoner,” Mako lost her royal status in the name of love.
At press event (former Princess) Mako & Kei Komuro apologized to people they caused trouble for, who disagreed with their marriage. They thanked their supporters. Kei said: I love Mako; You only live once and I want to spend my one life with the person I love pic.twitter.com/xWcm544u32
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) October 26, 2021
The couple first announced their engagement back in 2017, and the public was thrilled for the former princess. But as the niece of Emporer Naruhito, issues began to arise. Mainly, the media began to call Kei a “gold digger,” using Mako’s status for his own benefit. Though none of that mattered for the two, who both turned 30-years-old recently.
“For me, Kei-san is a priceless person. For us, our marriage was a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts,” Mako shared at Tuesday’s ceremony.
The official marriage rite “Kashikodokoro-Koreiden-Shinden-ni-Essuru-no-Gi” involves wearing traditional clothes (jūnihitoe or kouchiki) and worshipping inside the shrines.
— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) October 22, 2021
Princess Mako wore formal day dress & worshipped from the courtyard since she’s not allowed the usual rites pic.twitter.com/XVYVOxU1kX
While there was no official wedding banquet or other rituals, Mako and her now-husband wed at a local government office. Due to criticism of the marriage to a commoner, Mako became the first Imperial family member to decline her dismissal payment of 140 million yen ($1.23 million).
yes princess mako, we totally understand why 🥰 pic.twitter.com/rsiAnugAdg
— tita marga (@margavsmachine) October 28, 2021
Just this month, Mako revealed she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The pressures of the crown and title of heir to the Imperial family became too much.
“I acknowledge that there are various opinions about our marriage. I feel very sorry for the people to whom we gave trouble,” Mako stated, according to Yahoo News. “I’m grateful for the people who have been quietly concerned about us, or those who continued supporting us without being confused by baseless information.”
October 22
— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) October 23, 2021
2019: Princess Mako attended Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement events
2021: Princess Mako visited Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for a private farewell before marriage pic.twitter.com/f7U32M1i6a
As of October 26, Mako officially cut ties with the royal family. NPR reports that women who marry “commoners” must leave the royal family by law. Now, Mako and her new husband will reside in New York City. Kei spent the last few years obtaining a law degree from Fordham University, and is working at a law firm in the city. It’s a move that many are comparing to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from the royal family three years ago (for a number of reasons, at that).
“What I would like is just to lead a peaceful life in my new environment,” Mako shared in a statement.
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
