Crown Prince Willem-Alexander And Wife Princess Maxima Of Holland Mark The 400th Anniversary Of Henry Hudson's Arrival In Manhattan

Holland's Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Princess Maxima marked the 400th anniversary of explorer Henry Hudson's arrival in Manhattan Tuesday.

The royal couple followed Henry's historic journey up the Hudson river in a helicopter before meeting dignitaries - including U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton - to celebrate their country's long friendship with America.

They also watched a fleet of ships, including a scale replica of Henry's Half Moon, sail past New York City while a Dutch ship gave a 21-gun salute.

In a speech, Willem-Alexander said: "Princess Maxima and I are overwhelmed with this tremendous welcoming to New York. It is wonderful to still be able to see the Dutch influences across the city, from transportation and art to music and food."

"We can only speculate about the feelings of a small group of men on board of the Half Moon when they first arrived on these shores exactly 400 years ago."

"They must have been struck by the beauty of these islands and by the riches they behold."

After the ceremony, the royal couple flew to the U.S. Military Academy where they had lunch with army cadets.

Englishman Hudson sailed to New York aboard a Dutch ship in 1609, opening the land to European settlers.

Just 17 years later, the Dutch bought the island of Manhattan from the indigenous population for $24.