Japan's Princess Mako gave up her title and married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro
on Tuesday.
The couple forego the usual pomp that makes a royal wedding and just had an official submit
paperwork to a local office in the morning.
Mako also refused to receive a one-off payment of about US$1.3 million typically made to
princesses when they marry.
The understated wedding follows a four year engagement beset by scandal, delay, and mental
anguish.
News in 2017 of the couple's plan to marry was initially cheered by the country, but
things soon turned sour as tabloids reported on a money scandal involving Komuro's mother.
In an unusually frank joint news conference with her new husband, Mako said 'incorrect'
news reports had caused her great sadness, stress, and fear.
She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder earlier this year.
I was terrified and sad when false information was covered (by the media) as if it's the
truth and spread to become an unfounded story.
I am appreciative to those who continued to believe in Kei even in difficult situations.
On Tuesday, protesters also took to the streets of Tokyo to voice their opposition to the
marriage.
They accuse the couple of forcing it through without giving the public an explanation.
Mako and her new husband will live in New York after she applies for the first passport
of her life.