When did King Richard 1st use the English flag?

King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, is often associated with the use of the English flag featuring the three lions. While the exact date of the flag's first use is not definitively recorded, it became prominent during his reign from 1189 to 1199, particularly during the Third Crusade. The three lions emblem is believed to have been adopted earlier in the 12th century, but Richard's campaigns helped solidify its association with England.