I just spoke with someone about the origin of the flag of Austria which based on a legend came from the duke of Austria Leopold V in the siege of Acre. He was supposed to wear a white surcoat which after a battle was completely drenched in blood until he took off his belt revealing a white stripe.
The original origin of the flag aside: was it even likely that a high lord such as a duke would even personally engage in close-ranged combat? I read that at one point he was in charge of the Christian army at this siege which consisted of 25000 men.
I would picture him standing in a tent nearby surrounded by guards, planning and sending troops rather than drawing his sword and fighting off dozents of enemies personally.
Wouldn't that have been incredibly risky for him otherwise?
Thanks
Noblemen were expected to fight, but they would have the best armour and weapons, but more importantly they would be surrounded by fiercely loyal soldiers to keep him alive.
Kings and higher nobles may or may not have fought, depending on the country and time - but they sometimes did, a good example being Henry the fifth at Agincourt.