Tight security surrounded the attendance of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, at a public ceremony commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Battle of Kinsale at the weekend.
The Prince was joined by President McAleese and the British and Spanish ambassadors to Ireland, Sir Ivor Roberts and Mr Enrique Pastor de Gana.
He was presented with a crystal "King's Bowl" by President McAleese, prompting a wry smile from the man who is fourth in line to the British throne.
President McAleese said the gathering was privileged to be able to sit together in peace.
"The forces of history have skewed the relationship between this island and our neighbouring island. We know that many generations have paid a high price for history's legacy. To meet today as friends is quite an achievement."
She unveiled a plaque written in Irish, Spanish and English to commemorate Spanish soldiers who landed in Kinsale under the command of Don Juan Del Aguilan on September 22nd, 1601.
Part of the memorial of Galician granite was donated by the Invincible Armada Association, La Coru±a, which was represented by its president, Mr Francisco Dotras Lamberti, and secretary, Mr Rafael Ramos.
The ceremony opened with a recital from the Band of the First Southern Brigade and closed with a cannonade from a battery of artillery pieces across the harbour at James Fort by the 1st Field Artillery Regiment.
A flotilla in the harbour included the Spanish naval vessel Atalaya, the LE Ciara, the Irish sail training ship Asgard and the Golden Cross, the former tug boat of the British royal yacht Britannia.