Japan’s Princess Ayako is now a married woman — and no longer a royal.
The 28-year old, who renounced her royal status to wed a commoner, tied the knot on Monday morning in a Shinto ceremony at Tokyo’s historic Meiji Shrine. A small group of about 30 family members attended, according to news reports.
The groom, Kei Moriya, 32, is a shipping executive.
Ayako, who wore a traditional court kimono and hakama skirt and styled her hair in the “osuberakashi” ancient style for noblewomen, spoke to reporters following the ceremony to express her joy.
“How happy I am that so many people have celebrated (our marriage). We want to make efforts to become a couple like my mother and father,” The Mainichi newspaper reported.
Her late father, Prince Takamado (cousin of present Emperor Akihito) who died in 2002, “would have rejoiced at my marriage” she added, telling reporters that the top hat Moriya was holding had belonged to her father.
Moriya said, “I want to support her firmly and hold hands to look forward and build a family full of smiles.”