Shakespeare’s acting company was renamed the King’s Men after King James I became its patron in 1603. Before that change, the troupe was known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
The company had operated under the patronage of the Lord Chamberlain during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. When Elizabeth died and James succeeded her, the new king adopted the company, giving it a prestigious royal connection and a new name. A royal patent issued on 19 May 1603 formally authorised the troupe.
William Shakespeare was not merely a playwright supplying scripts from outside. He was a shareholder and actor in the company, alongside figures such as Richard Burbage, John Heminges and Henry Condell. The King’s Men performed many of Shakespeare’s later plays, including works written during the Jacobean period.
The other options belong to different companies or patronage traditions. The Queen’s Men were associated with Elizabeth I, while the Admiral’s Men were a separate troupe. “King’s Men” refers specifically to Shakespeare’s company under James I.