Princess Ayako, the youngest daughter of Princess Hisako and the late Prince Takamado, Emperor Akihito's cousin, will retain honorary positions at two organizations even after leaving the Imperial family following her marriage to a commoner next week, the Imperial Household Agency and the groups' officials said Friday.

According to the agency, no other female members of the Imperial family have continued to serve in such positions, which are typically passed on to other royals after they become commoners.

The move comes amid concerns over the shrinking number of Imperial family members performing public duties, as women lose their royal status after marrying commoners under the Imperial House Law.