A year after the couple’s engagement was announced in 2017, and after initially winning the ’the hearts of the nation’, Komuro’s mother was the subject of negative headlines concerning a financial dispute, leading to the then-indefinite postponement of Mako and Komuro’s wedding. According to the BBC, the criticism and hostility that the couple has faced has led to them being nicknamed ‘Japan’s Harry and Meghan.’ Meanwhile, the Guardian said, “Little about the wedding plans suggest it involves a princess from an ancient royal lineage, a family whose senior members are revered by the public and media in a way that would be utterly alien to the UK tabloids.” Princess Mako and Kei Komuro tied the knot yesterday, three days after Mako turned 30, in a ‘subdued’ ritual followed by a press conference at which Mako said, “I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused.” She went on, “For me, Kei is irreplaceable—marriage was a necessary choice for us,” adding, “The flow of arbitrary criticism of Kei’s actions, as well as one-sided speculation that ignored my feelings, made falsehoods somehow seem like reality and turn into an unprovoked story that spread.” Komuro said, “I love Mako. We only get one life, and I want us to spend it with the one we love. “I feel very sad that Mako has been in a bad condition, mentally and physically, because of the false accusations.” Mako was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress earlier this year due to the controversy, bringing to mind Meghan Markle’s revelation that she struggled with suicidal ideation during her first year of marriage to Prince Harry due to the treatment she received at the hands of the British press. Japan has male-only succession laws, meaning that Mako—the niece of Emperor Naruhito—was never going to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Her marriage to a commoner also means she has relinquished her royal status. From now on she will be Mako Komuro, rather than Princess Mako. Mako also declined the customary $1.3m of taxpayers’ money that female members of the Japanese monarchy receive upon the departure from the family. Komuro went to studying law in New York after the controversy ignited, resulting in a three-year separation from Mako. After graduating in September, he finally returned to Japan to be reunited with his fiancée. However, he found himself at the center of fresh criticism due to the ‘disrespectful’ ponytail he wore. On her wedding day, Mako wore a blue pastel dress and a pearl necklace. She carried a small bouquet of pale pink flowers. She has now applied for her first-ever passport and plans to live with Komuro in New York, where her husband has been offered a job with a top law firm. Next up, See the Intimate Snap of Princess Eugenie Dancing at her Wedding Released to Mark Three Years of Marriage
