Bubbly, beautiful, caring, loyal - these are the words used to describe Natalie Naylor by the people who loved her.

The 20-year-old, who died last month from meningococcal meningitis, was a second-year student in international relations at the University of Sussex.

Among the many cards of condolence received by her family is one from Buckingham Palace, where she worked last summer.

Natalie's mother, Christine, said: "She was my princess, my beloved daughter, my best friend."

Her father Graham said: "She had a sense of commitment and loyalty in everything she did."

Natalie was a popular and vivacious young woman who immersed herself in university life. She was a member of the women's rugby team, she did ballet and hip-hop and had been paintballing with the extreme sports club.

Her boyfriend, media studies student Ayode Duroshola, said: "I remember her on our first day at university. She was so confident. With her dazzling eyes and breathtaking smile, she touched everyone's lives."

More than 400 people said farewell to Natalie at her funeral last week in her home town of Wallington, Surrey.

The service was led by the University of Sussex chaplain, Reverend Canon Dr Gavin Ashenden, and the congregation included old school friends and friends from various pony clubs.

Graham, 48, an IT specialist, said Natalie was ambitious and was considering a career as a diplomat.

He said: "She had thought about law and journalism too. She was inquisitive and had a great sense of justice."

The tragedy comes just three years after Christine, 49, fought breast cancer.

The primary school teacher said: "Natalie took my illness very badly. She was about to take her A-levels and she found it very hard to study."

Shortly before her death, Natalie had attended a Christian meeting.

"She told her friends she was going to heaven," said Christine. "It seems extraordinary now."

Christine and Graham have set up the Natalie Naylor Trust Fund to raise money for research and awareness of meningitis.

Graham said: "We want to keep her memory alive."