Former Princess Ayako is expecting her first child in autumn

The former Princess Ayako of Takamado, who became Ayako Moriya after getting married to Kei Moriya, is expecting her first child in autumn, according to Japan's Fuji News Network. Ayako is the daughter of Norihito, Prince Takamado and Hisako, Princess Takamado. Her father, who died in 2002, was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito who abdicated the throne recently. With the departure of Princess Ayako, the number of Imperial Family members dropped to 18, of which 13 are female. Under the Imperial House Law, women lose their royal title after marrying commoners.