Kei Komuro and Japan’s former Princess Mako.Photo: The Image DIrect
Japan’s formerPrincess Makoand her husband Kei Komuro are exploring their new home.
The couple was spotted on Sunday going for a stroll in New York City, where theyrelocated last monthfollowing their low-keywedding ceremony. 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.
Mako and Komuro coordinated in green and grey ensembles for the outing, with both wearing face masks.
Kei Komuro and Princess Mako.SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI/AFP via Getty Images
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 theBBC, where Komuro works at a law firm after graduating from Fordham University’s law school. According toreportsearlier this month, Komuro failed the bar exam but plans to retake the test.
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.
Komuro proposed over dinner in December 2013, and their long-distance relationship quietly continued whileMako studied for her master’s degree overseas, graduating in Art Museum and Gallery Studies in January 2016 from England’s Leicester University.
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.
Former Princess Mako and Kei Komuro.PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
At a press event in the afternoon, the couple appeared in front of journalists. Princess Mako wore a pastel blue dress with a matching jacket and a pearl necklace, while Komuro wore a striped suit.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Princess Mako and Kei Komuro.STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty
“I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused and I am grateful for those … who have continued to support me,” she said, according to theBBC. “For me, Kei is irreplaceable — marriage was a necessary choice for us.”
The palace announced ahead of the nuptials that Mako wasdiagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorderin 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
