Princess Mako of Japan, who famously left the royal family in 2021 to marry her commoner husband, Kei Komuro, has welcomed her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced recently.
Mako Komuro, niece of Emperor Naruhito, relinquished her royal status upon her marriage to Kei Komuro, her former college classmate. The couple, both 33 years old, relocated to New York, where Kei practices law.
At a press conference, a representative of the Imperial Household Agency confirmed that both mother and baby are in good health. However, details about the newborn’s name and gender were not disclosed.
The news was met with joy by Mako’s parents, Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, who expressed their heartfelt wishes for the family’s happiness.
Grand Master Naomasa Yoshida noted that since Mako is no longer a member of the Imperial Family, the agency had hoped she would enjoy a quiet life away from public scrutiny. Nevertheless, the announcement was made due to recent media reports about the birth.
Princess Mako’s decision to leave the royal family to marry Kei Komuro attracted global attention in 2021. Their civil wedding marked a new chapter in her life, culminating now in the arrival of their first child in New York City.
