into the nation�*s rivers? it looks to me like it�*s the health of conservative party polling, not the health of our rivers, that has been at the front and centre of government ministers as they have u—turned today. you can read more about this story and more on our website at bbc.com/news. japan�*s princess mako has married a commoner and left the royal family. there was no shinto ceremony or big reception for the niece of the emperor. instead, she and herfiance went to the equivalent of the tokyo register office. the marriage was delayed by almost four years amid intense scrutiny and criticism of the match which took a mental toll on the princess. from tokyo, here�*s rupert wingfield—hayes. no grand wedding ceremony, no cheering crowds, just a very formal goodbye from princess mako to her parents. at first, her sister does the same, but then she steps forward for a very un—japanese hug. it was the most touching moment in what has been a strange day. a few minutes later, the now former princess was