(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Catherine Middleton reportedly "wont stop beating herself up" about her topless photo scandal.

French publication Closer published images of the Duchess of Cambridge sans bikini top earlier this month.

Though the photos were captured with a long-lens camera while Catherine lounged by a private pool alongside husband Prince William, she blames herself for events.

"She won't stop beating herself up," a palace insider revealed to the American edition of OK! Magazine. "Will has told her it's not her fault."

The royal family is taking legal action against Closer, claiming the publication is guilty of a violation of privacy.

Catherine is committed to avoiding another humiliating incident.

"She thinks she can never let her guard down again," the source shared.

"She has vowed this will be her last scandal."

Catherine was well aware of the possibility of such a scandal erupting.

She has always been extremely careful about her behaviour in public.

"Kate is mortified. Since she and William met, she's constantly been on guard against embarrassment," the source shared.

"When they used to go away with William's friends, Kate would lecture everyone on what not to do in case there were photographers." (C) Cover Media