Many people think that Royal Mail recorded delivery is much safer than standard post, but in reality it is nearly just as risky.

Royal mail describes recorded delivery as "Standard Postal Service with Barcode Scanning on Delivery"

and thats what it is. If you try to track a recorded item online before it has been delivered you will get a message saying that recorded items are only tracked after delivery.

Royal mail recorded (1st and 2nd class) is just normal post but with proof of delivery.

The only way to ensure delivery with tracking throughout with royal mail is via special delivery.