Another fairytale once again had a happy ending. Japan's Princess Ayako is now married to the love of her life, Kei Moriya. The ceremony took place on Meiji Shrine, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan situated in Tokyo, last Monday.
Princess Ayako, who is the daughter of late Prince Takamado, Emperor Akihito's cousin, followed her heart and married Moriya, a commoner. "Princess Ayako married for love, and the ceremony was beautiful," as posted by Harpers Bazaar. But marrying the love of her life comes with a consequence, and that required her to give up her royal status for her to do so.
As a part of Japanese tradition, royal men who marry common women need not step down from their status. Even the women they will marry are welcomed into the Imperial family. Unfortunately, this is not the case for royal women who marry common men. Just like what happened with Princess Ayako. Since she gave up being a princess for love, she will be receiving a lump sum of $950,000 to help her with her needs.
The wedding was celebrated privately with only close relatives allowed to attend, as posted by the Associated Press. Only a few details about the ceremony has been shared to the media and that includes "the exchange of rings and a sharing of a cup of sake." But despite the exclusiveness of it, the newly wedded couple is still generous enough to allot time to face the journalists after the ceremony.
Princess Ayako expressed her gratitude towards everyone who supported them in their new journey. The Princess said, "How happy I am that so many people have celebrated (our marriage)." She also added how she hoped to have a happy marriage just like what her parents had before. "We want to make efforts to become a couple like my mother and father."
Likewise, Moriya, who works for Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen KK, opened up about how much he understands that her wife might face a hard time adjusting to a commoner's life. That is why he assured her that he is just there ready and hoping to accompany her throughout that drastic period.
The Princess also shared how she is still willing to support Japan's imperial family no matter what happened. She said, "I will leave the imperial family today, but I will remain unchanged in my support for his majesty and her majesty."
