Japan's palace confirms former princess Mako has first baby
Former Japanese princess Mako Komuro has given birth to her first child, palace officials confirmed Friday, though they gave no details, saying she is no longer a royal member.
The Imperial Household Agency said both the mother and child are in good health, but did not disclose the baby's date of birth or gender.
The former princess, 33, is a niece of Emperor Naruhito. She married a former college classmate Kei Komuro, a commoner, and renounced her royal status in 2021 as required by Japan's Imperial House Law. Days after their marriage, the couple moved to New York where her husband works as a lawyer.
Officials said that while the birth involved a former royal, the palace decided to publicly confirm the news after media reports earlier this month on the baby's arrival. They added that they hoped Mako would live in a quiet environment.
Mako's parents, Crown Prince Akishino and his wife Kiko, and younger siblings — Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito — are delighted and wished Mako's family happiness, officials said.
Japanese tabloid magazine Josei Seven recently published images of Mako and Kei Komuro seen walking with a baby stroller in a neighborhood of New York.
Mako and her husband met at Tokyo's International Christian University. They announced in September 2017 their intention to marry the following year, but the wedding was suspended for four years due to a financial dispute involving Kei Komuro's mother.
Due to the controversy, Mako also declined a dowry to which she was entitled for leaving the imperial family.
Mako's loss of royal status comes from the Imperial House Law, which allows only male succession.
The rule leaves only Akishino and his son Hisahito in line to succeed Naruhito. A government panel is discussing a more stable succession system, but conservatives reject female succession and only plan to allow female royals to help perform public duties after marriage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
31 minutes ago
- Reuters
South Korea's presidential election set to reshape key policies
South Korean liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is projected to win next week's snap presidential election, a result that could reorient a major U.S. ally on policies ranging from China to nuclear weapons and North Korea. Gabe Singer reports.
Daily Mail
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Alejandro Garnacho aims pointed dig at Man United's nightmare post-season tour as Ruben Amorim's squad return home from Asia
Alejandro Garnacho has taken a dig at Manchester United 's post-season tour after a disastrous trip to Asia. The Argentine, who looks set to leave Old Trafford in the summer after a spat with Ruben Amorim, was the centre of attention during United's ill-fated visit to Malaysia and Hong Kong. Just last week he was brutally warned by Amorim that he needs to 'pray' he can find a new club in front of team-mates after he complained about being benched in United's Europa League final loss to Tottenham But he travelled with the United squad, who jetted off to Asia just hours after succumbing to a 15th place Premier League finish on Sunday - their lowest since relegation in 1974. Garnacho featured in both fixtures including United's humiliating 1-0 friendly defeat to exhibition side ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday. They had to come from behind against Hong Kong to prevent further embarassment on Friday. After touching down in Manchester on Saturday, Garnacho took to Instagram to express his relief that the nightmare tour was over. Posting a picture of an airport runway after the tour's conclusion, the 20-year-old wrote 'finally'. It comes just a day after footage emerged of the forward involved in an altercation with a fan in Kuala Lumpur. He appeared to 'push' a supporter as he walked through the city. The video, first posted on TikTok, shows a moody Garnacho, wearing sunglasses and a golden chain, ignoring the fan as he asks if he prefers Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. 'Bro, you pushed me,' the shocked supporter then exclaims. with the forward walking off. It is unclear from the footage whether or not the fan is in fact pushed by Garnacho. Team-mate Amad Diallo was also in hot water after he raised his middle fingers at a supporter as the players left a hotel in Malaysia. The Ivorian rushed to social media to admit he did not regret making the gesture and that it was in response to someone who shouted personal abuse relating to his mother. 'I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mom…' he said on X. 'I shouldn't have reacted like that but I don't regret what I did. 'We had a great time in Malaysia with good people.' The Red Devils' tour was also marred by reports that Bruno Fernandes is considering a shock move to Saudi side Al-Hilal, while they also look set to miss out on on long-term target Liam Delap. Tension between the Garnacho and Amorim skyrocketed after the Argentine hit out at his boss for benching him in their Europa League final. He only played for 20 minutes after coming on from the bench and the 20-year-old failed to hide his frustration with Amorim as he admitted it had been a 's***' season for the club. His brother and agent added fuel to the fire by posting on Instagram that the winger had been 'thrown under the bus' by the Portuguese boss. His partner posted a picture of a baby-sized United kit alongside the words 'last match' Garnacho was then left out of United's squad for their final game of the season against Villa His partner appeared to confirm his departure with a cryptic two-word message to fans on social media just hours before the Villa encounter. She posted a picture of a baby-sized United kit alongside the words 'last match', accompanied by a tearful emoji and a heart on Instagram. A sale would represent pure profit under financial fair play rules, as the winger came through the club's academy system. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Amad urged Garnacho to stay at United next season despite his fiery dispute with Amorim. Speaking ahead of their friendly against Hong Kong, Amad leapt to Garnacho's defence, claiming the dispute is not an issue for the team. The Ivorian said: 'Alejandro is a really good player and we need good players in the team. I know Garna really well, so I hope to have Garna next season.
The Review Geek
an hour ago
- The Review Geek
The Haunted Palace – K-drama Episode 13 Recap & Review
Episode 13 Episode 13 of The Haunted Palace begins with a 100-year-old flashback. The enemies are getting close and King Yeon-jong makes a run for it. With nowhere to hide, Escort Officer Cheon Geum-hwi suggests his hometown, Yongdam Village. Unfortunately, on the way over, the enemies find out their location. King Yeon-jong decides to send a decoy to Yongdam so the enemies don't find his new safehouse. Cheon asks for time to evacuate the villagers but the King refuses as it would give away the ruse. With Choi Gil-song's signal, an officer ties Cheon to a tree and they all leave. The enemies slaughter everyone in Yongdam while searching for the King. At present, King Lee Sung is ashamed by his ancestor's cowardice and selfishness. Yeo-ri feels Cheon's guilt as he blames himself for the massacre. But he is not alone. As the 8-foot ghost, he has absorbed the grudge of all the murdered villagers. Gangcheori reveals that the villagers who survived turned bitter and vile. It is why he believes all mortals are loathsome beings. Meanwhile, the 8-foot ghost attacks the Crown Prince. However, the ghostbane stone keeps him away and Ga-seop comforts the prince. Back in the village, Yeo-ri spots Yoon Gap's soul. Gangcheori realises the ghost is scheming something but Yeo-ri has other problems. She wonders what will happen to Gangcheori after Yoon Gap takes back his body. Gangcheori is playful with her and Yoon Gap watches them from afar. In-seon is curious about them too and Yeo-ri flexes their relationship. Gangcheori teases her but he is surprised by the caragana plant suddenly blooming. A flashback shows Ga-seop explaining that caragana flowers have water energy which can help Gangcheori defeat the ghost. It seems to be a necessity as the Imugi's powers are getting weaker and weaker. Elsewhere, the King learns of Kim Bong-in's death and is upset. Paired with the shame of his ancestor's doing, he mopes. However, he does attend the one-legged ghost's ritual. Choi Won-u hesitates but ends up profusely apologising to the ghost which helps him cross over to the afterlife. As for the punishment, the King fines Choi and orders 50 lashings. While the retinue returns to the capital, Pung-san targets Minister Ahn, Kwak's peer and the one who had introduced the talismans. The blind shaman wins him over by promising to make him Chief State Councillor. Yoon Gap continues to watch as Mrs. Yoon dotes over Gangcheori. He is also upset when it is Gangcheori who cheers up a sulking King Lee Sung with some tough love. Gap is hurt that Gangcheori has taken everything important to him. We finally learn that Pung-san hopes Gap's bitterness will fester into an evil grudge. Onto the showdown prep, the King procures an identification tablet for Cheon Geum-hwi. Inspired by the one-legged ghost's resolution, he hopes to share his regret and apologise to the 8-foot ghost which should allow it to cross over to the afterlife. Yeo-ri agrees to hold a ritual 10 days later, on Cheon's 100th death anniversary. She does try to exclude Gangcheori out of concern but he refuses. Meanwhile, the Queen Mother tries to find closure. She is heartbroken when Yeo-ri reveals that Prince Yeong-in has been devoured by the 8-foot ghost. However, Yeo-ri lies that praying with his precious belongings shall set him free. The kid ghost calls her out but she points out the tenacity of a mother's prayer. The kid misses his mother and Yeo-ri helps him cross over as well. Pung-san's next phase is put into motion as Lord Ahn invites Gangcheori for a meal. The Imugi realises it is a trap but it is too late as he faints. He is taken home and he seems to be burning up. At the end of The Haunted Palace Episode 13, Yoon Gap wakes up in his own body. Mrs. Yoon is delighted to see that he is back to his old self. But Yeo-ri is worried by Gangcheori's disappearance. The Episode Review As the penultimate week, this K-drama is off to an exciting start. The Haunted Palace Episode 13 unravels all the remaining mysteries such as what happened in Yongdam Village and why the ghost is targeting one particular royal bloodline. Yoon Gap finally returns but is leaning towards the misguided villain role rather than the hero we all thought he would be. Gangcheori and Yeo-ri's romance is still pretty sweet even though the focus is largely on wrapping up the ghost conflict. And while it is quite sad how Yoon Gap feels replaced, the moments between Gangcheori and the King, Yeo-ri and Mrs. Yoon were quite heartwarming. It highlights just how much Gangcheori has changed from the beginning of the show. And finally, a shoutout to Sung-jae for portraying two distinct characters so well that we could identify Yoon Gap the moment he woke up in his body. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
