Former Japan princess bids title formal farewell

Former Japan princess bids title formal farewell
TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) -

Japanese princess becomes a commoner

Japanese Emperor Akihito's only daughter formally relinquished
her title as princess on Wednesday following her marriage the day
before, but her father has promised she is welcome at the palace
any time.

Former princess Sayako married Yoshiki Kuroda, a Tokyo urban
planner, in a simple ceremony on Tuesday, trading life in the
Imperial Palace for an ordinary apartment and official duties for
housework.

Sayako, 36, has confessed that she was a bit anxious about
starting a new life as a commoner, where she faces new challenges
such as driving, paying taxes and shopping.

But on her wedding day, Empress Michiko gave Sayako a warm hug
and reassured her saying, "You'll be fine, you'll be fine."

Michiko, 71, who took the opposite course by becoming the
first commoner to marry into the royal family, was said to have
been bullied by courtiers in the early years of her marriage and
has said Sayako was always a source of support at tough times.

Akihito also told his daughter, "Our family ties will not
change, so please visit us from time to time."

Sayako legally became a commoner -- and gained a surname for
the first time -- when her marriage was registered at her local
city office on Tuesday, as is the custom in Japan.

However, her name remains on the register of the Imperial
Family until notice of her wedding is formally inscribed there by
an Imperial Household Agency official on Wednesday afternoon, an
agency spokeswoman said. -- Reuters

REUTERS

GetRTR 3.00 -- NOV 16, 2005 09:02:42