The answer is they all visited Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and got a great reception when they got here.
Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Anne, James Martin, Jeff Hordley, Jonty Hearnden, and Barbara Knox all share the honour of meeting the great people of Hartlepool.
Were you in the picture with these and more? Have a look through our feature and find out more.
1. Welcome, Your Majesty
Her Majesty the Queen pictured passing Binns during a royal walkabout in the town centre in 1977. Photo: hm
2. Ready stead share your memories
TV chef James Martin was one of the stars of Ready Steady Cook when he came to Hartlepool in 2003. Photo: DW
3. Retro with Rita
Coronation Street’s Rita Fairclough, alias actress Barbara Knox, met some young fans when she was at a special gala event hosted by Binns department store in 1984. Photo: hm
4. Jimmy White in town
Dot Byers and Carol Neesam got to meet snooker star Jimmy White when he was in the shopping centre in 2008. Photo: TC