Giving up Royalty for Love
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Japan's Princess Ayako has married for love
Good move? Or big mistake?
She is probably happy to get out. The Japanese monarchy is even more reserved and formal than in Britain and it can be incredibly stifling and restrictive. For example, in 1993 Masako Owada reluctantly married into to the monarchy and became a princess. She had previously studied in Harvard and Oxford and had to give up on a promising career. She was criticised for not producing a male heir - daughters cannot succeed their father to the throne in Japan. She has suffered with mental health issues for many years and is rarely seen in public. Very much a gilded cage.
I'm not surprised - it certainly sounds like the princess has not lost out on anything, although by their cultural standards, she is probably abandoning her people, as she has her duties to them above all. It is always interesting to see the different perspectives that cultural differences bring :-)
I guess there are still countries where royal females have no choice in who they marry. Just like medieval times when women were used to bring together great families or to gain allies to stop or start wars. Often young teens married to men old enough to be their grandfather. Mind you, even today that can still be the norm with girls even younger in some countries.
Yes it’s very sad to hear about forced marriages, especially as we live in a society where most people are allowed the freedom to be with whom they choose. I firmly believe we only get one shot in life (well, one shot that you’re conscious of), so it’s best we utilise our opportunities well
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