TOKYO, Nov 14, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - Japan's former princess Mako Komuro

departed for the United States on Sunday with her husband, swapping ancient
imperial rites for the bright lights of New York after leaving the royal
family.

   The pair tied the knot in Tokyo last month in muted fashion, following
years of tabloid gossip and online sniping over their union that Komuro said
caused her "sadness and pain".

   A move to the United States had long been rumoured. The two 30-year-olds
finally boarded a commercial flight Sunday from Tokyo to New York, where Kei
Komuro attended law school and now works.

   Heavily guarded by police and airport officials, the couple passed before
some 100 journalists and cameramen without responding to questions.

   Mako, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, lost her royal title when she married
a commoner under post-war succession laws that also only allow male members
of the imperial family to ascend the throne.

   After announcing their engagement in 2017, the Komuros were confronted
with a barrage of reports alleging that Kei's family had run into financial
difficulties.

   Japan's royals are held to exacting standards, and the Imperial Household
Agency said Mako developed complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of
the media attention.

   "I have been scared, feeling sadness and pain whenever one-sided rumours
turn into groundless stories," Mako said at a press conference after their
marriage.

   Kei said he felt "very sad that Mako has been in a bad condition, mentally
and physically", declaring: "I love Mako. We only get one life, and I want us
to spend it with the one we love."

   The controversy surrounding the pair, and their US move, has drawn
inevitable comparisons with another royal couple: Britain's Prince Harry and
Meghan Markle.

   Japanese media said the Komuros, who met at university in Tokyo, have
already secured a place to live in the Big Apple.

   The original plan had been for Kei to travel to the United States ahead of
Mako, with the former princess joining him after she got her first passport,
reports said.

   But Kei stayed in Japan longer than expected to attend the funeral of
Mako's grandfather.

   Japan's emperor holds no political power, but is an important symbolic
figurehead.

   With a dwindling supply of male royals, there has been some debate over
changing the rules in Japan, with polls showing the public broadly support
women being allowed to rule.

   But any change is likely to be slow, with traditionalists vehemently
opposed.