After a years-long engagement with her college sweetheart, Princess Mako has finally tied knots with a “commoner” and lost her royal status as under Japanese law, female imperial family members have to leave their family status if they decide to marry a commoner.
While she skipped the royal wedding, she also refused to take a payment (approximately $1.3 million) that is offered to the royal females as they leave their families. She is the first female member of the royal family to have declined both.
Japan’s Harry And Meghan
As per the reports, the couple is expected to move to the US straight after marriage where Mr Komuro works as a lawyer. The move has led to comparisons with the former British royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle which further earned them the nickname, “Japan’s Harry and Meghan”.
Similar to Meghan Markle, Komuro has also been heavily scrutinized for his relationship with Ms Mako. He was recently criticised for tying a ponytail when he returned to Japan. Some of the newspapers and social media users felt that his hairstyle was “unconventional” in Japan and wasn’t fit for someone who is set to marry the Princess.
Japan’s Princess Ms Mako spoke in the press conference on Tuesday and apologized for any trouble her marriage might have caused to the people. She said that she is grateful for the ones who support her.
Japanese Protest Against Marriage
Japan’s Princess Ms Mako and Mr Kumoro announced their engagement four years ago. While the initial response was cheery, things eventually turned sour as some of the tabloids reported that Kumoro’s mother was part of a money scandal. The marriage was then postponed and Kumoro moved to the US to study law, only to return in September.
Soon after, the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) informed that the delay in years-long engagement and the consistent scrutiny has left the Princess with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Money Scandal
The reports of money scandal surrounding Kumoro’s family came months after the couple announced their engagement. Some tabloids reported that Kumoro’s mother had not repaid a total amount of 35000 dollars to her former fiancée. The rumour further spread stream across the media after the IHA couldn’t come up with a clear explanation.
In 2021, Kumoro released a 24-page long letter saying that he would pay the settlement.
