Japanese Princess Decides to Forgo R20.5m Inheritance for Her to Marry a 'Commoner'

• According to Japan's statute, female members of the imperial dynasty lose their position and inheritance when they wed a commoner
• Princess Mako is the daughter of the former emperor while her sweetheart Kei Komuro is an American-Japanese
• They have been engaged for years, but her family opposition to her decision stalled the marriage; the family has finally succumbed to her wish

Just like in the movies, Japan Princess Mako, daughter of a former emperor, has opted to forego not only her royal position but also a one-time family payment of $1.35 million (about R20.5 million) in order to be with her college sweetheart, Kei Komuro.

Japan’s media outfit, Bangkok Post reports that 29-year-old Mako for years has been dating after they both fell in love while in school.

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The report noted that her decision has sparked a serious public outcry in the Asian country which frowns at royals getting married to commoners.

It was also reported that immediately after a wedding she is contemplating a relocation to the United States, bringing obvious similarities to another contentious royal pair, Britain's Prince Harry and Megan Markle.

Mako is the younger sister of Prince Hisahito, the only other eligible male successor to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne, as the Chrysanthemum Throne may only descend to male members of the dynasty, and children of female royals who marry commoners are excluded.

More Sacrifice for love

Mako's desire to marry a "commoner" requires her to give up her title under Japan's 1947 Imperial House Law.

Former Empress Michiko, Princess Mako's grandmother, had urged for their engagement to be called off in 2017 when accusations surfaced that Komuro's mother was engaged in a $40,000 (R603 890) monetary dispute.

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The disagreement is still ongoing and involved the ex-partner of Komuro’s mother, who is a widow and claims the funds were a loan, some of which reportedly went to financing Komuro’s schooling, something the Princess’ family see as a disgrace and a slap of their royal status.

But despite the rejection and controversy caused by their love affair, the couple appears determined to go ahead with their wedding plans and are set to marry later this year.

"I asked a man out and his friend came with": Lady shares dating horror story

Earlier, Briefly News reports that a young lady has lamented asking out a guy for lunch and the gentleman found the courage to come along with his very good friend to also enjoy the meal. The lady identified on Twitter as @steadi_lady indicated that it has become apparent to her that women are not the only 'hungry' ones any longer.

She also shared a picture of the bill she received, which was quite expensive compared to what she had budgeted to spend on the young man for the day.

Source: Briefly News