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Japan's Princess Mako postpones marriage to commoner Kei Komuro

Japan's Princess Mako will postpone her wedding to commoner Kei Komuro to 2020 until after her grandfather Emperor Akihito abdicates next year.
Image: Princess Mako and her fiancee Kei Komuro smile during a press conference to announce their engagement at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo
Princess Mako and her fiancee Kei Komuro smile during a press conference to announce their engagement at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on Sept. 3, 2017.Shizuo Kambayashi / Pool via Reuters file

TOKYO — Japan's Princess Mako will postpone her wedding to commoner Kei Komuro to 2020 until after her grandfather Emperor Akihito abdicates next year, public broadcaster NHK said on Tuesday.

The couple, who had been planning to marry this year, want more time to arrange their ceremony and prepare for married life, NHK said, citing the Imperial Household.

Related: Japan’s royal household faces major challenges in line of succession

Mako, one of only four royal grandchildren, must become a commoner after the union, according to laws governing the royal family. She and her fiance attended the International Christian University in Tokyo.

Image: Princess Mako and her fiancee Kei Komuro smile during a press conference to announce their engagement at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo
Princess Mako and her fiancee Kei Komuro smile during a press conference to announce their engagement at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on Sept. 3, 2017.Shizuo Kambayashi / Pool via Reuters file