Japan’s Princess Mako marries and loses royal status

Emperor Naruhito's niece and her college sweetheart make announcement at press conference

Japan's Princess Mako has lost her royal status after marrying her commoner" college sweetheart, Kei Komuro - a man she described as irreplaceable" - while the couple voiced sadness over a scandal that has plagued their engagement.

After years of criticism of their relationship that has left Mako struggling with her mental health, the couple announced at a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on Tuesday that they had wed. They declined to take questions from reporters.