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Princess Ayako of Japan is now a married woman – no longer a royal woman.
The 28-year-old, who renounced her royal status to marry a commoner, tied the knot Monday morning at a Shinto ceremony at the historic Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. A small group of about 30 family members was present, according to reports.
The groom, Kei Moriya, 32 years old, is a navigator.
Ayako, who wore a traditional court kimono and a hakama skirt and was styling her hair in the ancient "osuberakashi" style of the noble women, addressed the reporters after the ceremony to express her joy.
"I am happy that so many people have celebrated (our wedding). We want to make an effort to become a couple like my father and my mother, Mainichi newspaper reported.
Princess Ayako and Kei Moriya attend a press conference at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine after their wedding
Nicolas Datiche / SIPA / REX / Shutterstock
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His late father, Prince Takamado (cousin of the current Emperor Akihito) who died in 2002, "would have welcomed my wedding," she added, telling reporters that the top hats Moriya belonged to his father.
Moriya said, "I want to support her firmly and hold my hand to look forward and build a family full of smiles."
Princess Ayako
Nicolas Datiche / SIPA / REX / Shutterstock
The couple was introduced by the mother of the bride, Princess Hisako, last December. On August 12, Ayako embarked on a traditional ceremony in front of the Moriya court, which works for the Japanese transport company NKY Line.
Princess Ayako and Kei Moriya walk in the aisle of the Meiji-Jingu Shrine after their wedding
Nicolas Datiche / SIPA / REX / Shutterstock
Under the Japanese Imperial Household Law, women who marry a commoner must lose their royal status. With the decline of the royal line, however, changes have been made to the protocol. The royal family has only 17 members, 11; women among them and succession as well as the ability of the household to manage official functions, favoritism and public appearances have become a concern.
To meet this need, on Friday, as part of a first historic change, Princess Hisako, 65, announced that her daughter would continue to retain her patronage in two institutions.
Princess Ayako and Kei Moriya after their wedding
PRESS JIJI / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock
Adjusting Ayako's status is just one of many important changes that will affect the chrysanthemum throne in the immediate future.
In April 2019, after an unprecedented constitutional exception, the Emperor Akihito should abdicate for health reasons.
Princess Ayako and Kei Moriya
Nicolas Datiche / SIPA / REX / Shutterstock
In addition, the Emperor's eldest granddaughter, Princess Mako, is also engaged to marry an ordinary person, although her marriage has been postponed from last year to 2020 for "lack of preparation".
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