Damon, Affleck 'are distant relatives'

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are related, genealogists have discovered.

The New England Genealogical Society found that the childhood friends are both descended from a bricklayer called William Knowlton Junior, E! Online reports.

The news means that Damon and Affleck are tenth cousins, once removed.

Meanwhile, Damon is also related to Princess Diana and 16 presidents, including Barack Obama. Affleck shares a lineage with 11 presidents.

Genealogist Chris Child told The Boston Herald: "Ben is an 11th cousin to Obama. We just found that connection this week.

"It might be one of those cool things to share at cocktail parties."