Here is a reminder thanks to a selection of photos we dug out from the Echo archives.
Many people turned out to welcome the Queen in Sunderland and Durham.
Others joined in with sponsored football games, school projects and charity events.
Can you spot anyone you know? Take a look and tell us more.
1. They were award winners
Who can tell us more about the awards that these Sunderland lifeguards won in 2002? Photo: PB
2. Now that's a challenge!
These nurses were planning a sponsored car pull in the Lake District in 2002. How did they do? Photo: SE
3. Ready to welcome Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Sunderland Railway Station to officially open a new Metro link, and people grabbed every vantage point they could to get a glimpse of Her Majesty. Photo: Peter Berry Sunderland Echo
4. Playing for charity
The SAFC staff were pictured before a charity match with St Leonard's. Remember this from October 2002? Photo: SE