Princess Ayako, the youngest daughter of Emperor Akihito's late cousin, is set to marry commoner Kei Moriya today, relinquishing her royal status.

Princess Ayako and Kei Moriya, both keen on global welfare, look forward to their wedding.
Princess Ayako and Kei Moriya, both keen on global welfare, look forward to their wedding. | KYODO

Nearly a year after their first encounter, the 28-year-old princess and the 32-year-old employee of shipping firm Nippon Yusen K.K. will tie the knot in a traditional ceremony at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine.