Former Japanese Princess Mako Komuro and husband Kei Komuro arrived in New York City on Sunday, confirming earlier speculation that the couple would relocate after marriage.
Life after royalty: Mako, the granddaughter of former emperor Akihito, renounced her royal title to marry Komuro, a commoner, at a registry office in Tokyo on Oct. 26.
- The couple were first engaged in 2017 and faced years of intense tabloid scrutiny and cyberbullying, leading to the diagnosis of the then-princess with PTSD earlier this year.
- Adding to media criticism, Mako also decided to give up her royal title to marry her college sweetheart and forfeited the 150 million yen (approximately $1.36 million) dowry traditionally given to women who leave the royal household.
- Following their wedding, the couple had reportedly been living in an apartment in Tokyo while Mako applied for her first passport.
A new start: The couple was seen arriving at John F. Kennedy airport on Monday morning, accompanied by security.
- The media frenzy continued as the couple left Tokyo’s Haneda airport, surrounded by hundreds of reporters. The couple made no comment to the press.
- Kei previously lived in New York City while studying to receive his Juris Doctor degree at Fordham University’s School of Law in Manhattan.
- Reports suggest Kei will continue clerking at a law firm until retaking the bar exam in February, and Mako is expected to begin working.
In a year of big changes for Mako and Kei, the move to New York symbolizes a new beginning for the couple.
Featured Image via Getty
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