Rebel royals: From Diana to Japan’s Princess Mako, 5 princesses who broke royal protocol and lived by their own rules

Nov 2 , 2020

Princess Mako, Princess Diana, Princess Keisha. Photo: AP, @diana.princess.wales @keishaomilana/ Instagram

Being a real-world princess isn’t the fairy tale existence little girls dream of growing up, with strict traditions, expectations and rafts of royal rules and protocols to abide by. But there are some women who were just destined to go their own way and follow their instincts instead. Read on to discover how five remarkable princesses went against the grain.

The UK’s Princess Diana talked about her mental health in public

From breaking dress codes to embracing an Aids patient, Princess Diana proved time and again that she wouldn’t let her title define her. Often overlooked is the roles the “People’s Princess” played in shining a spotlight on helping to de-stigmatise mental health – a legacy her sons William and Harry have been proud to continue. She defied the royal family’s unwritten rule of “never complain, never explain”, choosing to speak to the media about her own struggles with postnatal depression and bulimia – inspiring others to seek help.

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Nigeria’s Princess Keisha continues to do her day job

When American fashion model Keisha Omilana tied the knot with Prince Kunle of Nigeria, everyone expected her to quit and focus on her new role. However Princess Keisha refused to turn her back on her modelling roots (she had been better known as the “Pantene girl” for her role in several adverts for the brand) and, now known as #TheWorkingPrincess, she continues to book gigs and even manages her own haircare business. Despite her newly luxurious lifestyle, she believes it is important for women to remain “independently wealthy”.

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Burundi’s Princess Esther ran for president

Princess Esther Kamatari talks with media in Bujumbura in 2004 after her return to Burundi to run for president. Photo: Reuters

While it is common for royals to stay out of politics, Burundi’s Princess Esther thought rolling up her metaphorical sleeves and getting involved was the only way she could restore peace to her nation. After spending time in exile in France after her father and uncle’s assassination in the 1970s, she became France’s first black model before deciding to return to her homeland and run for president. Though her presidential bid was ultimately unsuccessful, she was able “to show the young generation, especially women, that nothing is impossible.”

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Japan’s Princess Mako will marry a commoner

Japan's Princess Mako and her soon-to-be husband, Kei Komuro. The pair’s wedding has been postponed due to Covid-19. Photo: Kyodo

Japanese imperial law states that princesses are not allowed to marry commoners, so when they do, they are expected to give up their position in the royal family. Princess Mako, the granddaughter of Emperor Akihito, was very much aware of this when she announced her engagement to Kei Komuro in 2017. She said in a press conference that she has always known what the consequences of her decision would be, so she strives to fulfil her duties while she still can.

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Greece’s Princess Marie-Chantal allows her children’s friends to call her “MC”

Even though members of the abolished Greek royal family maintain their HRH titles, Princess Marie-Chantal does not mind being called by her initials “MC” by her children’s friends. And while the cool mum can often be spotted out partying with her teenage brood, she made it clear in her book Manners Begin at Breakfast: Modern Etiquette for Families, that she still makes sure Prince Constantine Alexios, Prince Achileas-Andreas and Princess Maria Olympia still follow royal etiquette in general.

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Royalty

William and Kate’s mum discussed mental health long before they did, and Princess Mako’s wedding to a commoner is still causing controversy two years after she announced it