Is that a packet of unfinished Haribos? He must be in a bad way.
If is a proper timber door it will be Morticed & Tenoned so if you put the handle in line with the midrail it will cut through the tenon and weaken the structure of the door ,,,,I'd have wanted the door handles fitted in-line with the middle rail.
I'd have wanted the door handles fitted in-line with the middle rail.