Love vs Duty: Japanese Princess Mako Marries Commoner, Leaving Royal Family

The ceremony that took place in Tokyo on Tuesday, marked a major change in the life of the Japanese Royal Family, as to marry a commoner Mako had to leave the imperial household. The couple faced stern media coverage over the years, and even protests by Japanese royalists, who criticised the princess for leaving her royal duties. But Mako remained adamant, saying that "for me, Kei is irreplaceable".

1 / 8

Japan's former Princess Mako, right, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro, look at each other during a press conference to announce their marriage at a hotel in Tokyo, Japan Tuesday, 26 October 2021.

2 / 8

Japan's Princess Mako (C) leaves the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on 26 October 2021, to attend a press conference with her husband Kei Komuro.

3 / 8

Protesters hold banners during a march against the marriage between Japan's Princess Mako and her fiancé Kei Komuro in Tokyo, Japan, 26 October 2021.

4 / 8

Japan's former Princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro, bow to the audience before a press conference to announce their marriage, at a hotel in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, 26 October 2021. Former Princess Mako married the commoner and lost her royal status Tuesday in a union that has split public opinion after a three-year delay caused by a financial dispute involving her new mother-in-law.

5 / 8

A passerby watches a mobile phone showing the press conference of former Princess Mako, niece of Emperor Naruhito, after they married without a traditional ceremony Tuesday 26 October 2021, in Tokyo.

6 / 8

Japan's former princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro, who she originally met while at university, attend a press conference to announce their marriage registration, at the Grand Arc Hotel in Tokyo on 26 October 2021.

7 / 8

Protesters hold banners during a march against the marriage between Japan's Princess Mako and her fiance Kei Komuro in Tokyo, Japan, on 26 October 2021. The Japanese character reads, "loyalty".

8 / 8

Japan's former Princess Mako, left, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro, arrive for a press conference to announce their marriage, at a hotel in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, 26 October 2021.