Japan's Princess Mako and Kei Komuro were planning the perfect royal wedding, until a financial scandal almost shattered the fairytale: Japan's Princess Mako plans to give up her imperial title and money to be with commoner Kei Komuro. But their wedding will take place against a backdrop of tabloid obsession and a cloud of uncertainty over the imperial line's lasting legacy.

When Japan's Princess Mako announced she was planning to marry a commoner, it had all the hallmarks of a classic fairytale.

An old imperial law in Japan stipulates that female members are stripped of their title in the event they marry a commoner.

For Princess Mako, choosing Kei Komuro meant giving up her imperial status & all the trappings that came with it to pursue a future outside the confines of her role.

But her fairytale took a strange turn a few months after the news of the engagement, when reports emerged that Mr Komuro's mother was at the centre of a financial scandal.

The wedding was postponed, without a new date set. The couple apologised for "causing great trouble & further burden to those who have willingly supported us".

Months, & then years passed, & some began to wonder if the couple would ever make it to the altar. That was until last week, when the Imperial Household Agency — the official mouthpiece of Japan's imperial family — confirmed the pair would marry at the end of the month.

The nuptials mark the end of a long wait for the young couple, but will take place against a backdrop of tabloid obsession & a cloud of uncertainty over the imperial line's lasting legacy.

The princess & the commoner

Princess Mako & Kei Komuro reportedly met at a restaurant while studying at Tokyo's International Christian University in 2012.

She was drawn to Mr Komuro's '"smiles'"and "seriousness", while he admired the Princess's "confidence".

"It is difficult to sum it up in a single word, but Mr Komuro is someone who always warmly encourages me," the Princess said at a press conference in 2017.

As the niece of Emperor Naruhito & the eldest child of his younger brother Akishino, Princess Mako's role in Japan is largely ceremonial. She carries out the duties of her position, while also working at a museum at the University of Tokyo.

Princess Mako has always known she would have to leave the imperial household behind to start a family of her own. But her decision has captured a nation.

Reporters flocked to the firm where Mr Komuro worked when it first emerged the couple were planning to marry in 2017.

The 30-year-old,...