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In 1977, young Australian Jane Gillespie from Sydney traveled to the Indonesian island of Bali, never imagining that a brief trip would change her life forever. In Obode town, she met Prince Tjokorda Raka Sokawati, a member of Balinese royalty, and the two were instantly drawn to one another. Despite vast differences in culture, religion, and lifestyle, their love proved stronger than the barriers surrounding them. The royal family initially opposed the relationship, reluctant to accept a foreign “Western” girl, yet the prince remained determined, and Jane courageously chose to stand by him. Before their wedding, she underwent a ritual that involved shaving her head and eyebrows, symbolizing rebirth, and was bestowed a royal name: Princess Jiro Asri Kirtiasa, fully immersing herself in Balinese royal traditions.
Life inside the royal palace, however, was far from the fairy tale Jane had imagined. There was no electricity, running water, or telephone access, and she could leave the palace only with permission, leaving her feeling confined and isolated. Custom and tradition weighed heavily upon her: the prince was expected to marry more than one wife, and Jane had to accept this silently. Cut off from her homeland and navigating a strict, unfamiliar world, the young princess confronted daily challenges that tested her resilience, patience, and devotion.
Financial difficulties soon forced the couple to leave Bali and move to Sydney, where the prince took humble jobs as a gardener and waiter to support his family, far from his royal title. Yet their love endured, and over the years they built a life together, raising children and eventually returning to Bali when circumstances improved. Jane, now fully embraced as Princess Jiro Asri Kirtiasa, became a symbol of love that transcended religion, tradition, and social class. After more than 45 years of marriage, their story stands as a remarkable testament to devotion, loyalty, and the power of love to overcome even the strictest boundaries of royalty.
Life inside the royal palace, however, was far from the fairy tale Jane had imagined. There was no electricity, running water, or telephone access, and she could leave the palace only with permission, leaving her feeling confined and isolated. Custom and tradition weighed heavily upon her: the prince was expected to marry more than one wife, and Jane had to accept this silently. Cut off from her homeland and navigating a strict, unfamiliar world, the young princess confronted daily challenges that tested her resilience, patience, and devotion.
Financial difficulties soon forced the couple to leave Bali and move to Sydney, where the prince took humble jobs as a gardener and waiter to support his family, far from his royal title. Yet their love endured, and over the years they built a life together, raising children and eventually returning to Bali when circumstances improved. Jane, now fully embraced as Princess Jiro Asri Kirtiasa, became a symbol of love that transcended religion, tradition, and social class. After more than 45 years of marriage, their story stands as a remarkable testament to devotion, loyalty, and the power of love to overcome even the strictest boundaries of royalty.
