Japan's princess Mako loses royal status after marrying a commoner

Japanese Princess Mako married a commoner without traditional wedding celebrations Tuesday and said their marriage — delayed three years and called unfit by some — "was a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts." The marriage to Kei Komuro cost Mako her royal status and she has taken her husband's surname. There was no wedding banquet or other marriage rituals for the couple. Their marriage is not celebrated by many people, the Imperial Household Agency said. Mako earlier declined the 140 million yen ($1.23 million) dowry to which she was entitled for leaving the imperial family, palace officials said.