The former Princess Ayako of Takamado, who became Ayako Moriya upon marriage to Kei Moriya, is expecting her first child in the autumn, according to Vorsten.
Ayako is the daughter of Norihito, Prince Takamado and Hisako, Princess Takamado. Her father, who died in 2002, was a first cousin of the recently abdicated Emperor Akihito of Japan.
After her wedding ceremony, the newlyweds spoke to the press about wanting a family. “I’m very happy that many people were able to celebrate (our marriage),” the then Princess Ayako told reporters. “We want to make efforts to become a couple like my mother and father.” She added that her late father, “would have rejoiced at my marriage”, and added that the top hat Moriya was holding had been her father’s. Kei Moriya said he hoped to “build a family full of laughter and smiles.”
With the departure of Princess Ayako, the number of Imperial Family members has dropped to 18, of which 13 are female. Under the Imperial House Law, women lose their royal title after marrying commoners.
Her mother said in a statement she had raised her daughter to “prepare for the day when she supports herself” and wishes that the two “will build a good family full of joy and happiness.” Ayako received a lump sum of ¥107 million after her marriage to maintain her lifestyle.
