Shakespeare's theater group was initially supported and patronized by the Queen herself. She would devote herself to the study of the ancient classical arts but also enjoyed the theatrical entertainments of her time. She used her influence for the progress of the English drama and provided Shakespeare with full support for all his productions.
After she died in 1603, the royal patronage of the theater group was sustained by the successor of Queen Elizabeth, King James I of Scotland. He is the son of Mary of Scots, a sworn enemy of the Queen. James I changed the name of the group into "The King's Men".
