Princess Mako, the eldest grandchild of the Emperor of Japan, Akihito is about to get married to her university classmate Kei Komuro. While the announcement is a happy one, it would also mean that the princess will have to denounce her royal status after marrying a commoner. During a press conference, Princess Mako stated that Komuro won her heart with his sincerity and bright smiles. Komuro and Mako, both 25 years old, revealed that their relationship started during their time at the International Christian University in Tokyo.
Princess Mako’s fairy tale romance
The romance between the princess and her fianceé began at a campus meeting five years ago. During the press meet, Mako shyly revealed that Komuro’s bright smiles were the first thing that attracted the young princess. The first time the couple talked was during a student event held before the study-abroad program. Mako said that with the passage of time, she learned that her now fiancé was a sincere man, with a heart of gold.
Mako and Komuro were also in a long distance relationship while both of them went overseas for studies. The couple kept ties for a year while she studied in Britain and Komuro went to the United States. Following this courting period, Komuro proposed to the Japanese princess in December 2013 after dinner.
After the proposal, the princess introduced her would-be husband to her parents, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. Princess Mako’s father is the second in line to inherit the Chrysanthemum throne. Her parents - along with the current Emperor and Empress of Japan - have gladly accepted Komuro as a part of the family.
Marriage to commoner will result in loss of royal status
While the details of the wedding ceremony has not been decided as of now, the palace officials hint that the wedding may take place sometime in Autumn 2018. However, the wedding will only take place after a series of rituals has been followed, which includes the one authorizing the engagement.
Although the princess might be happy with her impending wedding, it may not be very good news for the Japanese royal family and its 2,000-year-old bloodline. While women are not allowed to inherit the Chrysanthemum throne, Mako will also lose her royal status, if she goes forward to marry Komuro, who does not hail from any royal family.
She is not the first royal to marry a commoner as Prince William also married a commoner - Kate Middleton, who he met at university as well.
