1. Queen Elizabeth I: Reigned from 1558 until her death in 1603. Shakespeare's early career flourished during her reign, and many of his works were performed for the Queen and her court.
2. King James I: Son of Mary, Queen of Scots; succeeded Queen Elizabeth I to the English throne in 1603 and ruled until his death in 1625. Shakespeare continued to write and produce plays under James' patronage, and the monarch supported theater companies performing Shakespeare's works.