HARRY and Meghan were last night at the centre of a secrecy row over the £11million Canadian mansion from where they plotted their shock “abdication”.

Despite numerous media requests, the couple refused to say if they paid for their six-week stay or even confirm who the property belongs to.

It raises questions over the transparency of their monetary arrangements at a time when they want to become “financially independent”.

Neighbours say the sprawling mansion where they stayed is owned by a Russian billionaire, but his name is not on any public paperwork.

Meanwhile, Meghan has flown back to Canada — and the eco-preaching couple have come under renewed criticism for their carbon footprint.

The Sun previously revealed they asked neighbours on Vancouver Island to sign non-disclosure agreements before moving in for Christmas with baby Archie.

The Mille Fleurs home near Victoria, British Columbia, would have cost more than £100,000 to rent.

The idyllic bolthole has stunning views and boasts eight bedrooms and two private beaches.

One local, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun: “I was very surprised to hear they were staying there because it’s always been a mystery about who actually owns it.

"It doesn’t seem the sort of place a royal couple would go.”

"The mystery over the property’s ownership is likely to raise concerns over the couple’s acquaintances as they seek “financial independence”.

An estate agent who helped sell it in 2014 said the new owner included a non-disclosure agreement as part of the deal.

He said the buyer was neither Canadian nor American.

The complex purchasing method can help people hide their involvement.

All of the 27 properties on the road are registered under a company called Towner Bay Country Club.

It means buyers effectively just purchase shares in the club, with their names not on any public paperwork.

Only the club’s directors are mentioned and all refused to comment yesterday.

One known resident is Bernadette Wolfswinkel, 70, ex-wife of Conley Wolfswinkel, who was convicted of bank fraud and accused of owing US taxpayers £1.5billion.

Russian oligarch Yuri Milner — who has stayed at the property — has denied being the man behind the waterfront mansion.

However, it is linked to Meghan’s schoolpal Katharine McPhee, who is married to music producer David Foster.

He said yesterday: “About five or six years ago I helped my friend Yuri rent the house for a short time.

"I don’t know if that was for a week or a month or whatever.

“The owner is not Yuri, but it is an acquaintance of mine. I can’t disclose his name.”

Actress Katharine said she did a “couple of shows” with Meghan when they were at school.

'I'VE HAD TO SIGN A NDA'

She added last year: “She was always lovely and always talented.”

Locals on the island first spotted Harry and Meghan around December 18 enjoying hikes and jogs — with the pair even stopping to take a selfie for another couple on New Year’s Day.

They missed the traditional royal Christmas with the Queen and family at Sandringham.

The estate agent who sold the Canadian mansion said: “It’s a beautiful property, it’s one of the nicest ones on the island. It has great privacy. I think the current owner’s done quite a renovation.”

But he went on: “I’ve had to sign an NDA on it and I cannot disclose who owns it now.

“I would get myself in a lot of trouble if I disclosed anything. I don’t think you’ll ever find out. He does live in America.

"He’s not famous by any stretch. I haven’t had any contact since he purchased.”

Harry is expected to fly back to Canada after an event next Thursday — and their long-haul trips are raising fresh concerns about their environmental credentials.

When he eventually returns to Britain it will be the Sussexes’ fifth transatlantic trip in two months.

Depending on the flights, they may have cost up to £250,000 and emitted more than 200 tons of carbon dioxide.

MOST READ IN UK NEWS

Their spokesman refused to say if they chartered a private jet.

Each passenger on a commercial return flight to Vancouver from London creates an average of 9.1 tons of CO2. On a private jet this rises to 49 tons.

The average Brit is responsible for 18 tons in an entire year.

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfZn14fZRpam5nmJa%2Fs8WMppygoJGjerSxwqucnLFdmK6vrcOimKdlmKS6pns%3D