Princess Mako of Japan finally married amid controversy

Japanese Princess Mako was married to commoner Kei Komuro without traditional wedding celebrations Tuesday. Their marriage was delayed three years and opposed by some.

The couple’s marriage document was submitted by a palace official according to the Imperial Household Agency. There was no wedding banquet or other marriage ritual for the couple. The agency has acknowledged that many people have not welcomed their marriage.

A recent poll by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper found 38% of respondents support the marriage, while 35% oppose it.

Due to concerns that a controversial marriage might benefit from taxpayer money, the princess declined the usual payment of about $1.3 million to women who are required by law to leave Japan’s royal family after marrying a commoner.

Princess Mako became Mako Komuro, taking the surname of her husband. Both are 30 years old. The former princess is the eldest of two daughters of the Crown Prince Fumihito and is the niece of Emperor Naruhito.

After registering their marriage, the couple delivered prepared remarks and distributed written answers to questions submitted in advance by media.