Japan's 'Undercover Princess' Mako Graduates From University Of Leicester

After a year she of living in a foreign country and studying just like any other student, Princess Mako of Akishino received her Master's degree in Art Museum and Gallery Studies from the University of Leicester in Leicester, England, today.

The degree, which covers both practical and academic aspects of art, is similar to the one Princess Kate earned at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Kate received her undergraduate degree. But it covers both practical and academic aspects of the subject.

After her name was read out – without any royal title – the princess took her turn and filed past dignitaries at the institution's De Montfort Hall to shake hands with University of Leicester Chancellor Lord Grocott, before returning to her seat, the Leicester Mercury reports.

Princess Mako, who is often seen as Japan's equivalent of Princess Kate, enrolled at Leicester in September 2014 and lived with her fellow students in the university's residence halls while continuing her academic work in the School of Museum Studies. The one year program, which she completed in September 2015, also included work placements and collections-based research at Leicester's New Walk Museum. The princess, 24, was one of 35 students in the program and has previously said she had a "great experience" during her time at the university.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for having had the opportunity to pursue my studies in such a favorable environment," she said earlier this year. "It has been a very fruitful year for me," she said. "I hope to apply what I have learned at postgraduate school in the future." "We are delighted that Princess Mako decided to return to Leicester to receive her degree in person and also attend a reception for graduates in our school." Suzanne Macleod, the university's museum studies department head, said. Macleod said: "She has been a pleasure to teach, has worked incredibly hard and should be very proud of her achievements."