Princess Mako in N.Y.C.Photo: Splash News Online
Japan’s formerPrincess Makogot a festive start to the holiday season last week as she stepped out in her new home of New York City.
Makorelocated to New Yorkin November following herlow-key wedding ceremonyto husbandKei Komuro.
Because the law in Japan requires a princess to “leave the imperial family upon marriage to a commoner,” Princess Makogave up her royal titlesto marry Komuro. She alsoturned down a $1.3 million payoutfrom the Japanese government that is traditionally paid to royal women who lose their royal status when they marry.
Princess Mako and Komuro, both 30, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on November 15, just weeks after their wedding. They are renting an apartment in N.Y.C., according to the BBC, where Komuro works at a law firm after graduating from Fordham University’s law school. According to reports earlier this month, Komuro failed the bar exam but plans to retake the test.
Kei Komuro and Princess Mako.SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI/AFP via Getty Images
The couple met while attending a study-abroad event at a restaurant in Shibuya, a district in Tokyo. They were both students at the International Christian University in Tokyo at the time.
The couple first announced their plans to wed in September 2017, but the event was ultimately pushed off following a dispute over money between Komuro’s mother and her former fiancé concerning his having financed Komuro’s education.
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Princess Mako in 2019.AFP/ KAZUHIRO NOGI / POOL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
“I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused and I am grateful for those … who have continued to support me,” she said, according to the BBC. “For me, Kei is irreplaceable — marriage was a necessary choice for us.”
The palace announced ahead of the nuptials that Mako was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in the wake of negative media coverage.
“I love Mako. We only get one life, and I want us to spend it with the one we love,” said Komuro. “I feel very sad that Mako has been in a bad condition, mentally and physically, because of the false accusations.”
source: people.com
