So far 2009 has been a very good year for royal watchers, with engagement announcements from not one, but two of Europe's most eligible princess. And as speculation of a proposal from Britain's Prince William to Kate Middleton mounts, we take a look at the sparklers adorning the hands of some of the world's leading royal beauties.

In April 2009, the people of Sweden were greeted with the news they had long been waiting for; their future queen, Crown Princess Victoria was engaged to her long-term boyfriend Daniel Westling. Clearly over the moon, the princess was beaming as she joined her gym-owner fiancé to give the public their first glimpse of the ring. A solitary round brilliant cut diamond, mounted on white gold, it is a beautifully simple and traditional band that perfectly suits the down-to-earth royal