Mountbatten's ability, royal connections and risk of capture

Was Mountbatten chosen for Combined Operations because of his royal position or his ability?

Both are given as factors, along with concern that a prominent royal might be killed or captured if he remained in destroyer command.

Mountbatten's selection is explained as a mixture of perceived ability and royal connections. Moving him from destroyer command would also reduce the risk of a prominent royal being killed or captured. Churchill is described as particularly concerned about capture, while the navy considered a submarine surfacing to collect him an unlikely prospect. Destroyers normally operated with companions that could fire on a surfaced submarine. His prewar public profile and ease with the American press are also discussed as attributes he brought to later roles.