遅おくればせながら

expression

belatedly; better late than never

A set phrase used when doing or saying something later than expected, often with a nuance of apology or self-deprecation. Commonly used in greetings, announcements, or when catching up on something.

• 遅おくればせながら、明あけましておめでとうございます。

  Belatedly, Happy New Year.

• 遅おくればせながら、私わたしもその本ほんを読よみ始はじめました。

  Better late than never, I've started reading that book too.