The World's Oldest Monarchy Is Running Out Of Royals

Japanese Princess Mako's marriage to her college boyfriend, Kei Komuro, stripped the Princess of her royal status and required her to exit the family, leaving behind just 12 women and five men in the imperial household.

Japan will maintain tradition in the imperial household even if it means the end of the monarchy.

After a four-year engagement, Princess Mako, the niece of 61-year-old Emperor Naruhito, is marrying her longtime boyfriend, Kei Komuro. And because Japan's imperial law strips women of their royal status after marriage, the Princess will exit the family, leaving behind just 12 women and five men.

In addition, following controversy over their engagement, Mako turned down a 152.5 million yen ($1.3 million) dowry that's traditionally been awarded to women in the royal family who've married, making her the first to do so since World War II.

"It's a radical departure from what is expected from women of the imperial family," said Shihoko Goto, Deputy Director for Geoeconomics at the Wilson Center, a Washington-based think tank, and an Asian affairs specialist. "She is prepared to make financial sacrifices and uproot herself from the comfort, safety, and privileges of her life to pursue her own path."