Authorities in Japan said that Princess Mako will marry her former college classmate on 26 October, following years of intense scrutiny and criticism that put their engagement in an unflattering light.

The 29-year-old niece of Emperor Naruhito was engaged to Kei Komuro in 2017. The couple initially captivated the public; however, media reports soon talked about a financial dispute over a 35,000-dollar debt that Komuro¢¥s mother allegedly received from her former fiancé, some of which went towards paying Komuro¢¥s college fees. Komuro said that the money was given as a gift; however, the regular media started to pay attention to the royal family scandal, too.

In 2018, the marriage was postponed, and Komuro left to attend a law school in the US. He returned only last week, with a ponytail that set off discussion about whether he was being disrespectful.

Princess Mako will leave the royal family upon her marriage as is custom, and she will become a commoner. None of the ceremonies that usually happen with a royal marriage will take place.

Difficult words: scrutiny (a critical and detailed observation or examination), captivate (to attract and hold the interest and attention), commoner (one of the ordinary or common people).